Fabio Quartararo MotoGP pole position stands out as a bigger highlight for the French rider than his world championship victory, according to his own reflections. Speaking about his memorable moments, Quartararo described the 2019 Spanish Grand Prix pole as the most enjoyable achievement of his career, even beyond the historic 2021 title win.
Rapid Rise to Prominence Before Turning 20
Fabio Quartararo swiftly entered the spotlight on the MotoGP stage just before his 20th birthday, riding for the Petronas SRT satellite Yamaha team, which currently operates as Trackhouse Aprilia. Expectations were set high from the start due to his reputation and potential shown in the lower classes.
Throughout the 2019 season, Quartararo largely met these expectations by securing an impressive six poles and seven podiums, ultimately claiming fifth in the championship standings. Notably, he finished ahead of legendary Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi, highlighting his rapid development as a leading contender in the sport.
Transition to Factory Yamaha and Championship Glory
In 2021, Quartararo took over the prestigious factory Yamaha seat previously held by Rossi and immediately made his mark by clinching the MotoGP world championship. He triumphed over Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati in a fiercely competitive duel, confirming his status as a top-tier rider among the series’ frontrunners and Yamaha’s new hope following Rossi’s departure.
Why 2019 Jerez Pole Is His Most Cherished Memory
Despite the monumental achievement of winning a world title, Quartararo emphasized that his pole position at Jerez in 2019 brings him more personal satisfaction. The primary reason, he noted, was the absence of external expectations and pressure during his rookie campaign—a scenario that allowed him to fully enjoy the moment regardless of the outcome.
Asked to recall his finest memory with the current-generation Yamaha M1, Quartararo replied,
“I would say my pole position in Jerez in 2019. I would say I enjoyed it even better than my world championship year. Because [if] you crash, it doesn’t matter – you are learning. [If] you finish in the top 10, you can do better next time. You finish in the top five, it’s amazing. You finish on the podium, it’s amazing. It doesn’t matter the result, you always find something.”
“It was the year where the pressure was completely zero, and it’s the year that I enjoyed the most.”
– Fabio Quartararo, Petronas Yamaha SRT
Contrasting the Experiences: Rookie Versus Champion
The 2021 championship season was pivotal in establishing Quartararo as Yamaha’s leading figure and a clear successor to Rossi. Yet, he resisted the assumption that capturing the world title piled more pressure upon him. Instead, Quartararo suggested that the rookie season provided a unique joy, as each result was a milestone rather than a disappointment.
“You don’t really feel more pressure,”
Quartararo noted.
“But in the 2021 season, you finish fourth and you are disappointed. You don’t like to finish fourth, it’s a bad result.”
“But in the first year, you never know what to expect from the first race, from the next race, and this was the positive. You went there just to give your best, and if your best was second, it was amazing. If [it was] P5, it was amazing. P10, you have something to learn. If you crash, it’s an experience. This is the difference.”
– Fabio Quartararo, Petronas Yamaha SRT
Legacy and Lessons from Fabio Quartararo’s MotoGP Journey
Fabio Quartararo’s reflections shed light on the emotional journey from rookie sensation to world champion. His preference for the freedom and lack of pressure in the early days—despite later achieving the ultimate prize in MotoGP—demonstrates the complexity of an athlete’s experience in the highest level of motorsport. With his 2019 pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix now immortalized as his favorite memory, Quartararo’s story continues to inspire newcomers and seasoned riders alike.
