Fabio Quartararo yesterday became the most successful French rider in MotoGP history with his second win at Jerez in as many Sundays but said it was the hardest race of his life.
The Petronas Yamaha man scorched away from the pack as track temperatures reached in excess of 60°C with air temperatures at 36°C and engines working at 100°C to take a 4.5s win ahead of Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi.
“It was incredible and a very difficult GP. At one point I looked at how many laps were left and there were 12,” said Quartararo, speaking at the track.
“I was only halfway through the race and my hands were on fire.
“We make an amazing pace from the beginning to make the gap, change the mapping so fast. I was so happy because I made my pace, it was really tough. When I arrived at two seconds, to make four was so difficult.
“I did make some mistakes today but small ones. It was so tough, to make 25 laps at the front with this temperature.
“I think it was the hardest race of my life, honestly. It was so hot, no air, my hand and my feet were so hot. So it was really difficult but honestly I felt really good on the bike.”
