A historic Sunday for French motorcycles.
Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) and Johann Zarco (Ducati) scored twice at the GP in Doha, Qatar.
The last time two French people stood on a podium in the same race was sixty-seven years ago, in 1954 ... And, better yet, Quartararo and Zarco signed the first double in history in MotoGP, the premier category.
“It's really huge for the French motorcycle, exclaims the former rider Randy De Puniet, MotoGP consultant on Canal +.
We've been waiting for so long… Fabio winning, Johann leading the World Championship.
We couldn't ask for a better start to the season.
Two French people at this level, one young, one old, that's great!
"
The young Nice wolf, Quartararo, 22, who won his 4th victory in MotoGP, and the returning Cannes-native Johann Zarco, 30, who had been crowned in 2015 and 2016 World champion in Moto2, indeed have different profiles.
“Quartararo is talent and charisma,” explains De Puniet.
He climbed the ranks very quickly and has exploded since 2019. He is in the continuity of what he has been showing for several months.
Zarco comes back from far away.
In 2019 he had a horrible year that ended with a split with KTM mid-season.
Last year, he raced in the worst Team on the circuit
(Editor's note: the private Avintia team)
.
He's had a really good bite and been through hell for over a year.
Many of us thought he was going to stop.
But he found a factory motorcycle and he managed to get up.
This shows his pilot and mental qualities.
"
# DohaGP🇶🇦
Incredible double for the French tonight with a victory for Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco who snatched second place
▶ ️ https://t.co/6vTgdTN2gP pic.twitter.com/DEGxz3MV8l
- CANAL + MotoGP ™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) April 4, 2021
Former rider Régis Laconi, a MotoGP victory, also thrilled in front of his television.
“This race was perfection, there is nothing to say, he says.
I have been in their shoes and I feel great emotion.
It was a great moment of pleasure, for them and all motorcycle enthusiasts.
I was impressed by the beauty of Fabio's overtaking.
He progressed in aggressiveness.
He continues to grow.
Johann, it's the resurrection.
He had made magnificent tests and he benefits from the impressive engine of the Ducatis which were untouchable on the straight line.
We now have two French riders capable of winning races in MotoGP.
"
Are they capable of winning the world title at the end of the season, which would be a first for a Frenchman in the premier class?
"Marquez is not there and, when we see their start to the season, all hopes are allowed, said De Puniet.
There will certainly be circuits where they will be less comfortable, but we will have to count with them until the end.
"
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Laconi is more measured: “We are only at the 2nd Grand Prix.
If we want them to go to the end, we must not start putting too much pressure on them.
Me, I knew that and it is sometimes complicated to manage.
Fabio is still young and last year he sometimes lacked experience at times.
But we feel that all the elements are there for them: talent, a good machine and the confidence of their team.
"
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In any case, the season promises to be exciting to follow.
“We know that the bike was not very publicized, concludes De Puniet.
But since Canal + has taken over the rights, the audiences are excellent.
It's a wonderful television show.
The public likes it when a Frenchman can fight for victory.
This double and the prospect of a world title will further boost interest in our sport.
It's a chance to have two Champions like Fabio and Johann.
You have to take advantage of it and savor the spectacle on Sunday.
"
