Petronas SRT Yamaha’s MotoGP rookie Fabio Quartararo is taking the positives from his Spanish Grand Prix, despite a mechanical issue forcing him to retire from the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

A stunning qualifying performance saw the Frenchman become the youngest pole sitter in MotoGP history and he was joined on the front row by his SRT Yamaha team-mate Franco Morbidelli.

After a good start, Quartararo was running comfortably in second place and looked as if he had the pace to stay with Marquez, at that stage in the race. However, a problem with the gear linkage on his M1 left the Frenchman stuck in third gear and ultimately forced him to retire.

Despite the heartache of having a likely podium taken away from him, Quartararo was looking at the positives from Jerez.

“I was really disappointed because we can challenge for really good position,” said the 20-year-old.

“Fortunately when you look at the pace I had, I only can be happy at the moment. No podium and no top five but the experience we take is a lot.

“The pace I had in the race was incredible because I found something, riding with these guys that make me a plus also I had Marquez like a reference.

“The pace was fast but when you are riding with these guys on the first laps I learn many things. I was acting on the bike like I have more experience, even though it’s only my fourth race.

“I take a lot of experience. Unfortunately we didn’t finish the race but we need to take all the positive and leave the negatives here.”