Fabio Quartararo must be “very smart” to win the French GP

Fabio Quartararo says that he and the factory -Yamaha team have to be “very smart” to convert the pole position in the French Grand Prix of tomorrow in Le Mans.

The home favorite was exceeded in today’s sprint by three Ducatis, although it took the lead early. But the longer race on Sunday, combined with the expected cooler temperatures and possible showers, will give him hope.

“Firstly, it will be different tires – especially in the butt, because we know very well that the soft tires do not stop at least for us,” Quartararo told Canal+ to the sprint. “We have to be very smart and try to see what we can do. But (changing weather) could be positive.”

In a separate press conference, Quartararo added that on Sunday he would drive with a hard front and medium-sized back on Sunday after experiencing a “large drop” of soft rear. He added that he expected the largest part of the field in relation to Grand Prix rubber.

In view of the performance deficit of his Yamaha compared to the Ducatis, Quartararo was philosophical with regard to his sprint result. The M1 has traveled a long way since the beginning of 2025, at least in the hands of the World Champion 2021.

“We made an intelligent race and the best result we could achieve. To be disappointed with a fourth position is positive.

Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing

Photo by: Gold and GänseFotography / Lat Images / Via Getty Images

Another positive for Quartararo was his continued form in qualifying. He took his second pole in a row in 2025 with a round that he described as “probably the best round of my career”.

As in the previous round in Spain, Quartararo reacted to an early quartelle by Marc Marquez with an indictment on his second run.

“I know very well that we always have a little more from the first run to the second run. The track (becomes) a little better (for us) because we have a little lack of handle compared to the others.

“We (that) that Mark had a lot of chatter in his second run in the last sector. Because I think you (Ducati) have a little grip compared to us. But it is perfect for us.

“I didn’t know that my lap was a pole position. I knew I would improve my time from the first run, but it was really a spectacular time.”

Photos from the French GP – Qualifying & Sprint