The MotoGP season begins on a bitter note for Fabio Quartararo. After a high-speed crash during the Sepang tests, the 2021 world champion is facing a finger injury that forces him to temporarily withdraw from the track. Between pain and caution, the Yamaha rider is navigating troubled waters as the start of the season approaches rapidly.
A Test Interrupted by the Crash
The first day of testing in Sepang took an unexpected turn for the Frenchman. Quartararo crashed at high speed at turn 5, a spot where speeds reach between 160 and 170 km/h. The crash was violent, and it took the assistance of marshals to help him remove his gloves, highlighting the impact of the accident.
The initial medical examinations conducted at the circuit were reassuring, but the rider could not immediately regain confidence. He completed only about fifteen laps in the afternoon, leaving doubts about his physical condition. Indeed, although he has abrasions on his left arm, it is his right hand’s finger that is the issue, and he believes it is broken.
Caution Above All
Fabio Quartararo made the difficult decision not to return to the track for the last two days of the test. His goal is to come back in about two weeks for the Buriram tests, just before the start of the season at the same circuit. “If it were a race weekend, I could continue, but it doesn’t make sense to do two more days,” he stated. A wisdom that shows he prioritizes his health for the upcoming competitions.
Asked by the official MotoGP website, Quartararo said: “It could be worse, but it could be better.” A bitter realization for a rider eager to compete, but whose health must come first. The champion added: “My arm is a bit painful, but the finger is broken.”
The Pains of Riding
During a press conference, he provided more details about his injury: “I brake with one finger, it’s okay. But it’s especially when you have to change direction, as soon as it moves a bit.” The pain seems to be exacerbated by the vibrations felt while riding, and he even mentioned that it was bleeding since his crash. These details are concerning, as they show how every movement can become a challenge.
Fabio Quartararo will not ride the Yamaha this week.
A Turn Without Explanation
The crash is all the more frustrating for Quartararo as he does not really understand the cause. “Honestly, there is no explanation. The temperatures were good. I even came in a bit more gently than the previous laps. I just lost the front,” he explained. This unexpected loss of control in a fast turn left the rider perplexed.
He added: “I lost control while it was quite straight.” This statement highlights the complexity of riding in MotoGP, where the slightest mistake or unforeseen event can have dramatic consequences. Fortunately, despite the severity of the crash, he remains aware that it could have been much worse.
Consequences for Yamaha
Quartaro’s absence during these two days of testing is bad news for Yamaha, which needs to test its new V4 engine. However, the brand is not completely devoid of options, as it was able to run its riders during the Shakedown Test a few days earlier. Andrea Dovizioso was also present on the track this Tuesday.
To compensate for the absence of its star rider, Yamaha is relying on its second test rider, Augusto Fernández, who has already completed a few laps that afternoon. This situation underscores the importance of continuing to gather data and refine the bike’s performance, even without Quartararo on the circuit.
A Season to Restart
With the start of the season approaching rapidly, all eyes will be on Quartararo and his health status. His ability to return quickly to his bike will be crucial for his chances of defending his title. The Buriram tests will be a decisive moment to see if he can regain his rhythm or if he will have to deal with the consequences of this crash.
For now, he remains hopeful and is making sure to follow medical advice: “I think it’s the best thing.” In this ruthless world of MotoGP, where every second counts, caution may well be the key to a successful return to the global stage.
