Fabio Quartararo MotoGP struggle took center stage at the Indonesian Grand Prix held on the Mandalika circuit, where the French rider confronted unexpected difficulties during the first day of practice. Despite finishing seventh, Quartararo admitted the team is lagging far behind their rivals in terms of pace, raising concerns about his performance this weekend.
The Mandalika track, which had been favorable to Quartararo in past seasons with podium finishes in 2022 and 2023, posed fresh challenges this year. Quartararo cited tire performance as a key issue, describing the compounds as unpredictable and limiting rider confidence. His frustration was evident as he confessed,
Honestly, I had a tough day, so my expectations were low,
and further added,
It was a day where we felt a bit lost, but I managed to post a decent lap time. It’s crucial for the weekend ahead, but in terms of pace, we are very far behind.
Tire Problems Affect Quartararo and Other Riders’ Performances
The rear tires, despite being the same compound and carcass as last year, proved to be a stumbling block for many riders, including some of the traditionally fastest competitors. Quartararo explained,
Grip wasn’t the problem, but the tires were unpredictable,
and continued,
That’s why my pace was slow, and many traditionally fast riders were also off their game.
This unpredictable tire behavior has led to widespread uncertainty among riders, contributing to slower lap times and cautious approaches on track.
Quartararo openly admitted his growing lack of confidence, stating, I don’t have any expectations, highlighting the gap between current struggles and his consistent history of battling for podiums. This admission signals a challenging weekend ahead for the 2021 world champion as he seeks to adjust and improve.
Yamaha’s Presence Strong Despite Quartararo’s Struggles
While Quartararo wrestled with difficulties, Yamaha demonstrated notable strength with three of their bikes qualifying for Q2, the most by any manufacturer in the top ten during practice sessions. Quartararo recognized the impressive pace of his teammates and other competitors, particularly Alex Rins and Miguel Oliveira, who stood out with fast laps.
Reflecting on the overall situation, Quartararo said,
I was really impressed by their pace. Personally, I managed to put in a fast lap towards the end, but the feeling wasn’t right. It’s not the first time Ducati has faced difficulties. Some riders simply haven’t found the confidence they need with the rear tires,
illustrating the widespread nature of the challenge beyond just Yamaha.
What Lies Ahead for Quartararo at Mandalika?
The Indonesian Grand Prix weekend holds high stakes for Quartararo, who is under mounting pressure to reclaim his form amid stiff competition. With rivals closing in and tire uncertainties persisting, the upcoming sessions will be critical for the Frenchman’s chances to make a comeback. Observers and fans alike remain eager to see if “El Diablo” can overcome these setbacks or if the struggles will continue to define his season.
