2023-06-24 14:19:07
Good surprise in Italy. Fabio Quartararo took fourth place in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, a performance he had not achieved since the Valencia GP in November 2022. The Frenchman is however diminished, his left leg makes him “suffer” since falling while jogging this week. On Friday, during practice, he was only able to complete eight laps in a row before completing ten on Saturday.
The Yamaha rider still felt pain in his ankle and big toe, which he broke. The 2021 world champion will have a lot to do to maintain his position during the sprint (13 laps) and the race (26 laps). Ahead of him, Marco Bezzecchi will start from pole position. On his Ducati-VR46, the Italian improved the absolute track record, so far held by Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati). The latter also took second place, ahead of Luca Marini.
“The bike is really exceptional. It’s perfection”, rejoiced the fastest driver of the day, currently 3rd in the championship. Frenchman Johann Zarco got out of Q1 before getting the 8th time in qualifying. In the “cathedral” of speed, the sprint will be launched this Saturday (3:00 p.m.) and the race will start on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Marc Marquez will start from much further down the grid. The Spaniard, six-time world champion, hit the Italian Enea Bastianini in slow motion. The Honda rider fell for the second time this weekend and will have to settle for 17th position.
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