There's only one thing dominating the headlines as MotoGP™ rolls into Valencia, and that's who will take home the 2022 World Championship trophy. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Fabio Quartararo are set for a season finale showdown, with the former the favourite considering his healthy points advantage.
All hope is not lost for the reigning Champion though, with Quartararo still in with a shout of retaining his title should he win at #TheDecider, and those at the Iwata factory are refusing to give up hope of back-to-back successes. Ahead of the action, Yamaha Team Director Maio Meregalli took the time to sit down with Frances Wyld and Elliott York on the Official MotoGP™ Podcast: Last on the Brakes for a fascinating discussion as he reflected on the season so far, his expectations for the weekend ahead as well as what lies in store next season.
Providing some fascinating insight, we couldn't get enough of what the Italian had to say, and to give you a sneak peak of what was covered, we've picked out our favourite 10 quotes from the interview for you to read below. If you wish to listen to the entire podcast, which we strongly recommend you do, then you can click on the widgets below or simply click HERE!
- "It is going to be one of the most stressful weekends [in Valencia]. In a way, we have lost some pressure that we had until a couple of races ago. Now, here, it is everything or nothing!"
- "I’m keeping an example of what happened in Sepang in the Moto2™ race. Everything can happen. In MotoGP™ as well. To still have the possibility of winning the championship alone, Fabio has done an incredible job."
- "In Malaysia, he crashed and then the finger [injury]. I lost some determination, he probably also felt some pressure, and the qualifying didn’t go as we hoped. Then, for us to start a bit far back, it means most of the time the race is already gone. I couldn’t expect such a start from Fabio, but then I realised Bagnaia had an even better start!"
- "Before the start of the Malaysian GP, the aim was to keep the Championship open until this weekend and we did that. We were happy, now let’s see what we can do here."
- "I would describe our season as a rollercoaster. We had some difficulties at the beginning, I think also, mentally, we were expecting a different package so we didn’t start in the best way as we were a little bit disappointed."
- "COTA was where Fabio was really doubting what to do, to stay or move [away from Yamaha]. The race he did in COTA probably gave him some confidence. I really do believe that he pushed us and that we have to show him something. I don’t really think he was ready to leave, but he wanted to push us, and put us under as much pressure as possible. I think the way that we were able to react and make some different organisational changes among Japan, Italy and the team. This new way of thinking gave him some trust."
- "Cal [Crutchlow] is doing very well. Doing races and tests. He went to Jerez after the Asian races before coming here. His comments are always matched by the data and this is a big help. Especially for next year, when we won’t have any satellite team, doing wildcards will be very important and we will discuss it soon because we saw what we can get from him and to have a third rider in at least three races will be a great help."
- "Fabio can’t use data to improve himself. Ducati have a lot of data, they can share. Most of the time they have seven riders in the top 10 so it’s easier for them to improve. Let’s say Fabio can be at 90% after FP2, to gain the last 10% is really difficult while the others have the possibility to share data and improve, and it is a big advantage for them and a disadvantage for us."
- "I’m curious about Tuesday, [Valencia Test] and it’s the first time we’ll touch something new for next year. In Misano, we tested the 2023 engine and increased the top speed. In general, I believe it’s not only the engine such as the aerodynamics, the grip."
- "I hope Franco [Morbidelli] will continue what he started in Sepang because there he made a huge step. He was quick in all circumstances. In the wet, in mixed conditions, in qualifying where he struggles the most. He did his best race even though he did two Long Lap penalties. What he did was huge in Sepang. We saw the old Franco. I hope and believe he can start as he finished there. Sepang was the only race where Fabio could evaluate Franco’s data."