Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) is “feeling positive” ahead of his home race at the SHARK Grand Prix de France, good news after the former World Championship leader underwent arm pump surgery after the Spanish Grand Prix.
On course to take a third win on the bounce in 2021 at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, the curse of compartment syndrome unexpectedly struck El Diablo for the second time in three years. It saw Quartararo dramatically decline from P1 to P13, a result that saw him relinquish his title race lead to Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team).
Sitting out Monday’s post-GP Official Test in Jerez, Quartararo underwent arm pump surgery on the Tuesday and has since been able to return to training ahead of his home race at Le Mans. The Doha and Portuguese GP winner is looking forward to getting back on track this weekend, where last year he secured a memorable pole position before Sunday saw him tackle a wet MotoGP™ race for the first time.
“For sure, the way that we ended the Spanish GP was a shame, but the positive thing we take away from it is that we are fast enough to battle for podiums and wins,” said Quartararo in Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s press release. “I’ve had surgery for the compartment syndrome, and it was successful. I’ve been training since then, and I’m feeling positive about this weekend. Anyway, it's always nice to go to Le Mans, because it’s my home race. I will try my best to be up there at the top again as soon as possible.”
Wet weather looks set to play a huge role in proceedings at the 2021 French GP, we’ll soon see how fast Quartararo is able to go on home soil in his first race since the operation.