Leader Quartararo 'happy' With Restart Of MotoGP Season
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published August 05, 2021 | 08:20 AM
Spielberg, Austria, Aug 5 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Aug, 2021 ) :Championship leader Fabio Quartararo is hoping to pick up where he left off when the MotoGP season gets back underway after its summer break with the Styrian GP this weekend.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, who underwent surgery on his right arm in May, won the Dutch MotoGP at Assen at the end of June, the last race before the break, and is eager to climb back in the saddle.
"I am really happy that we are going back to racing again," said the Yamaha rider.
"I had a good time during the summer break, and it was good to get a bit of rest, but now I just want to be back on my bike again." Assen was his fourth victory of the season and extended his championship lead over Ducati's Johann Zarco to 34 points with Italian Francesco Bagnaia, also Ducati, 13 points further back.
Yamaha have not enjoyed much success recently at Spielberg which hosts the Austrian GP a week after the Styrian GP.
The Frenchman was off the podium at both races held at the track last season but did finish third in the 2019 Austrian MotoGP.
"We know that Spielberg is not our best track on the Calendar, but I did stand on the podium here before, so we know it's possible to fight for top positions. We will do our best." - Marquez warning - Quartararo's teammate Maverick Vinales, who is sixth in the championship, will also be looking for better fortunes at the Red Bull track while the Ducati bikes hope to extend their dominance.
Of the six races held so far at the Red Bull Ring, Ducati has won five, achieving its 50th MotoGP victory here last year with Andrea Dovizioso.
Ducati also has had nine podiums at the Austrian track, the most recent with Jack Miller who finished second at last year's Styrian GP.
That dominance may help Bagnaia, who was forced to miss last year's two races in Austria after sustaining an injury to his right leg in the Czech Republic.
"This long five-week break has really helped me recharge my batteries, and now I'm ready for the second half of the season," said the Italian.
One rider that everyone will be looking over their shoulder for is six-time champions Marc Marquez who has been riding below his full capacity since returning from a nine-month layoff because of injury at Portimao earlier this year.
"I've enjoyed the summer break, I was able to relax with friends and family and enjoy it," said the 28-year-old who sent a reminder to his rivals of his powers with a sensational win at Sachsenring two races ago.
"It was good not just for the mind, but also for the body and I am feeling better and stronger.
"I've been able to increase my training, spending more time on bikes and even returning to riding motocross." Marquez is 10th in the standings and unlikely to challenge for a seventh title but the Honda rider is excited by the prospect of seeing fans back in the stands.
"We know the situation on track will still not be simple and we have to keep working and stay focused." Another familiar face at Spielberg will be Dani Pedrosa who is coming out of retirement at the age 35 to ride for KTM.
Pedrosa, who won three world titles in lower categories and finished second overall in 13 seasons, retired at the end of 2018.
He has been working as a development rider for KTM.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
Iranians appear unfazed by Isfahan blasts
UAF celebrates Int'l Chinese Language Day
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
20 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
5 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
6 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
9 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
13 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago