In a gripping turn of events at the 2025 MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix, Fabio Quartararo stunned fans and competitors alike by clinching the pole position at Jerez. After 1134 days without a pole, the Yamaha rider pulled off what many, including Yamaha’s boss Massimo Meregalli, deemed “impossible.” Meregalli shared the team’s astonishment, saying, “Unbelievable. Honestly, we could not expect what he did,” capturing the essence of Quartararo’s startling comeback.
Heading into the qualifier, all eyes were on Marc Marquez, the world championship leader, and perennial favorite. The Ducati rider swiftly set a new lap record, momentarily positioning himself well ahead of the competition. However, with determination and skill, Fabio Quartararo managed to close the gap dramatically. By the end of the session, he had surpassed Marquez’s fastest time by a mere 0.033 seconds, making a bold statement about his resilience and prowess on the track.
This achievement marked an end to Quartararo and Yamaha’s extended dry spell, their last pole position being at the 2022 Indonesian GP. Meregalli expressed his joy, saying, “Yesterday we started thinking we could do a good race. Impossible to think about the pole position.” The excitement within the team was palpable, with the victory serving as a testament to their relentless efforts and dedication over the years.
Reflecting on his performance, Fabio Quartararo described the pole as a “special emotion” and acknowledged the peculiar strength of his Yamaha on Jerez’s low-grip surface. Despite his success in qualifying, he remained cautious about the challenges ahead, admitting that the grand prix might still be “a bit difficult” on his M1. “We know the points are in the sprints and the race,” Quartararo remarked, emphasizing the team’s focus on delivering consistent results.
This pole marks Quartararo’s 20th career pole and holds a sentimental value as Jerez has been a favored track for the rider. It was here that he first shone in the Moto3 qualifying in 2015 and achieved his maiden MotoGP victory in 2020. “Hopefully we can make a great fight in the sprint. In the race, we know it’s a little bit difficult, but super happy to be here. We are working hard and the work will pay off,” Quartararo noted with optimism.
Yamaha’s managing director, Paolo Pavesio, highlighted the significance of this accomplishment for the team’s progress and morale. “It’s not points yet, but those moments are important, and we are building it two races in a row on the front row,” Pavesio stated, reflecting on the strides the team has made. He acknowledged that while the bike’s development still had a way to go, Quartararo’s performance was a reassuring sign that they were moving in the right direction.
As the excitement around Fabio Quartararo’s pole position at Jerez continues to reverberate through the MotoGP community, the anticipation for the upcoming race is palpable. Quartararo’s skill and perseverance have not only revived his standing but also rekindled hope for Yamaha, suggesting a promising trajectory as the season unfolds. This triumph, born from perseverance and passion, sets the stage for an exhilarating battle ahead, imbued with potential and promise.
