Quartararo Finishes Eighth in Tough 2021 MotoGP Aragón

The 2021 Aragón GP at MotorLand Aragón on September 12, 2021 proved challenging for the ENEOS-sponsored Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team. Despite struggling for pace, Fabio Quartararo finished in eighth, which allowed him to collect 8 important points for his championship run. Teammate Cal Crutchlow finished 16th, narrowly missing a points scoring place.

Starting third on the grid, Quartararo emerged fifth after the tight first corners, losing positions to Joan Mir and Jorge Martin, completing his first lap in seventh. He struggled to stick with the front pack, although he would gradually close that gap while trying to save his soft rear tire for the end of the race. All the while, riders behind him started to spoil the Frenchman’s charge.

He lost positions to Iker Lecuona and Brad Binder, but defended as long as he could before losing another position to Enea Bastianini. El Diablo pushed for a late dash to the finish line, challenging Martin for eighth, winning the fight by 0.04sec, crossing the finish line with a 16.575sec gap from first.

“This was a strange race,” said Quartararo. “I improved my pace, but things happen. We did a great job but will work hard to analyze the situation before Misano, which is a track I really like.”

Crutchlow started 15th on the grid but lost four positions before crossing the start/finish line for the first time. He quickly found his rhythm, overtaking Maverick Viñales on lap 2, then Luca Marcini, with whom he swapped positions multiple times.

With 17th secured, he focused on riding his YZR-M1, and his efforts paid off when he passed Johann Zarco for another position. The Briton was close to claiming a championship point, but came short, finishing 16th.

“I enjoyed this race and accomplished my goal of getting information for Yamaha this weekend,” Crutchlow said. “While I’m disappointed with my position, the testing is extremely positive, which will be valuable for the next race.”

Quartararo’s lead in the championship stands at 53 points, with 214 total points; Crutchlow remains 27th, without any points scored. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP are first in team standings with 309 points, and Yamaha are in second for the manufacturer championship with 242 points.

NEXT RACE

Quartararo and Crutchlow head to Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, taking place September 19, 2021.