MotoGP Aragon: Quartararo ‘disappointed, had pace to fight’

MotoGP Champion Fabio Quartararo had a disastrous Aragon Grand Prix after a first lap crash with the returning Marc Marquez.

Turn three was as far as the Monster Energy Yamaha rider got in Sunday’s final battle after he made contact with the rear of the Repsol Honda - Marquez having launched from thirteenth to sixth in the opening two corners before sliding the rear and leaving the approaching M1 with nowhere to go.

“I have no serious injuries,” Quartararo said from Aragon. “Little bit sore and burnt a little bit from the crash, I have abrasions on my chest.

“I‘m quite disappointed because for the first time I had the pace to fight for great results here but unfortunately crash in the first lap so it’s a real shame.

“Some riders made a few mistakes, some lost the rear, while others cut the line a little bit, I go to the inside, Marc had a moment and I just hit from the back. It‘s a big shame.

“No bones broken just burns. I’ll try to sleep on my back the next few days, but I will for sure be racing in Japan!”

With the Frenchman out of the action from the start it was a Ducati free-for-all in the 23-lap race with Enea Bastianini overhauling Pecco Bagnaia in the final laps for another near-photo finish.

“I’m really happy for Enea,” Quartararo said with a smile. “It’s five extra points but of course it’s going to be tough. It’s tough races ahead and we just lose so many points - the second, third and fourth in the championship just make one/two/three!

“It’s not going to be easy but I will try to make my best to be 100 per cent in Japan and try to fight for the victory.”