Fabio Quartararo to MotoGP Inspired by Rossi

Fabio Quartararo, Monster Energy Yamaha rider, shared an inspiring story on Andrea Migno’s podcast, ‘Mig Babol’. During the interview, Quartararo revealed that MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi was the driving force behind his dream to become a professional racer. He also discussed the toughest moment in his career and unique experiences in the racing world. How did Rossi shape Quartararo’s journey, and what other insights emerged from this interview?

Fabio Quartararo, the 26-year-old French rider, has been a MotoGP standout since his 2019 debut. Crowned world champion in 2021, Quartararo is known for his natural talent and competitive mindset. However, the 2023 season was a challenging period, with an underperforming Yamaha leaving him outside the top five. In his candid conversation with Andrea Migno, a former racer and close friend, Quartararo opened up about Rossi’s influence, his admiration for other riders, and the most difficult phase of his career.

Quartararo unequivocally stated that Valentino Rossi was the primary reason he aspired to be a MotoGP rider. “The one who really made me want to be a MotoGP rider was Vale, 100%. When I was a kid, the photo from the last corner at Jerez was what truly sparked my desire to race,” he said. This refers to Rossi’s iconic victory at Jerez in 2005, which Quartararo watched at age six. The image of Rossi celebrating with passion left a lasting impression, propelling Quartararo to pursue his racing dreams.

Beyond Rossi, Quartararo highlighted two riders who deeply impressed him: Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez. Recalling his first MotoGP test in 2019, he felt overwhelmed by their speed. “On the first day of testing in 2019, I said, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing here.’ I was three seconds slower. But watching Marc, especially now with Ducati, his riding style is much smoother and still very fast,” Quartararo noted. He praised Marquez’s adaptation to the Ducati, highlighting the refined technique that keeps him competitive.

Quartararo also expressed a desire to ride two-stroke bikes, such as the 125cc or 500cc, which he has never experienced due to MotoGP’s shift to four-stroke engines in the early 2000s. “I’ve never ridden a 125 GP or 500. I’d love to try a 250cc or 500cc. We’re working with Yamaha to arrange a test with a bike like that,” he said, revealing his curiosity about the sport’s historical technology and his enthusiasm for its heritage.

Quartararo shared the most challenging period of his career: the first half of the 2023 season. After winning the world championship in 2021 and contending for the title until the final race in 2022, Yamaha’s struggles in 2023 were a setback. “The worst part, especially in MotoGP, was the first half of 2023. It was tough because you go from being world champion in 2021, fighting until the last race in 2022, and then in 2023, you’re not even in the top five, struggling at the back,” he explained. Quartararo acknowledged the mental toll this period took.

Quartararo’s tribute to Rossi underscores the Italian legend’s profound influence on the next generation of riders. With nine world championships and 235 podiums, Rossi is not only an icon for his achievements but also for his charisma and connection with fans, which inspired Quartararo from childhood. His admiration for Dovizioso and Marquez reflects his ability to learn from rivals, particularly in precision and adaptability, key to MotoGP success. His interest in two-stroke bikes highlights his appreciation for the sport’s history, while the 2023 struggles demonstrate his mental resilience in overcoming adversity.

This interview reinforces Quartararo’s image as a humble yet ambitious rider who respects MotoGP’s history while forging his own legacy. Rossi’s influence on him highlights how sporting icons can shape future careers. Despite Yamaha’s technical challenges, Quartararo’s commitment to staying with the team and pushing for improvements shows his dedication. His desire to test two-stroke bikes could spark fan interest in racing heritage, potentially prompting Yamaha to organize a special test event.

Quartararo faces the challenge of returning Yamaha to the top, especially after the difficult 2023 season. Fierce competition from teams like Ducati, led by riders like Marquez, demands significant improvements to the M1 bike. As the rider who succeeded Rossi in Yamaha’s factory team, Quartararo continues to face pressure to meet fan expectations, particularly in Italy. His wish to ride two-stroke bikes, while intriguing, may be limited by logistical constraints and Yamaha’s focus on four-stroke development.

Heading into the remainder of the 2025 season, Quartararo is optimistic about Yamaha’s progress, particularly after testing the V4 engine in Barcelona. With three consecutive pole positions and competitive showings at Silverstone, he aims to return to the podium. Plans to test a two-stroke bike with Yamaha could generate excitement among fans. Rossi’s legacy lives on through riders like Quartararo, who bring competitive spirit and fan connection to MotoGP’s new era.

Don’t miss the latest MotoGP 2025 developments and exclusive expert analysis! Visit SPORTRIK for real-time updates, rider statistics, and in-depth motorsport insights.