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Fabio Quartararo at Sepang shows off the new Petronas team colors but everyone had already imagined him wearing the official Yamaha team ones. It's difficult to think of 2020 when his transfer to the official team for the next two years has been confirmed. The French rider is the man who made those in Iwata decide to do without Rossi, but it's a definition he does not like.
“I don't think I'm the man who replaced Valentino," he emphasized. "First of all, I'm not on that team yet, and he hasn't retired. I think I did a good job to get that place, nothing else."
Despite not being able to win a race yet, Quartararo surprised everyone in his debut season, and receiving a call from an official team after just a year is not a goal that many can boast of.
"I think it's something really important for my career," Fabio continued. "Now my future is clear. It's extremely positive to know that I have three years in front of me with Yamaha and on a bike that I'm familiar with."
As was mentioned, last year was a surprise, but he had the advantage of not being under any kind of pressure. In 2020, however, all eyes will be on him.
“I learned a lot and from many riders," he explained. "But there are other things I have to get to know. I don't want to set goals now, but I surely want to fight for the top positions from the very first race. I can't forget that in these tests in Malaysia a year ago I was 16th. Now I have more experience and, above all, I don't want to make the same mistakes of the past. I want to fight for the podium in every race, and also for the victory."
Quartararo will have another feather in his cap because he'll have an M1 that equals Rossi's and Vinales'. He'll have to learn how to take advantage of this, and the winter tests will be essential.
"I know I have a lot of work to do, " he said. "After these three days in Sepang and the other three in Qatar, I'll be able to truly understand my potential and that of my opponents."
