Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP at 2022 Australian GP Phillip Island Race

Zero Points for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP at 2022 Australian GP Phillip Island

The 2022 Australian MotoGP race at Phillip Island was shaping up to be an incredible battle for the lead among the championship title contenders, including the ENEOS-sponsored Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team with defending Champion Fabio Quartararo on the hunt. Unfortunately, both he and teammate Franco Morbidelli crashed out of the race, ending their hopes for points.

With a decent start from P5, Quartararo exited the first corner in third in a tight pack but was overtaken by several riders in the opening stages. He was in seventh place with 24 laps remaining when he ran wide into Turn 4. While Quartararo managed to avoid his rivals, he fell to 22nd. El Diablo fought back to P15 when disaster struck on lap 11 and he crashed at Turn 2.

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP at 2022 Australian GP Phillip Island Racer
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP at 2022 Australian GP Phillip Island Racers

“I struggled a lot in Turn 4 because of the wind,” Quartararo explained. “I made a mistake there at the beginning of the race and after the second, I tried to push but was too far behind. A lot can change during these last events, so as long as we can stay focused, we can make the best of these final races. Enjoying them will be important because when I do, I can be fast!”

Morbidelli struggled and showers spoiled an opportunity to make setup changes during Warm Up. He had a cautious race start but found a good rhythm, overtaking Raul Fernandez for P18 with seven laps remaining. They started to battle but it was cut short when Morbidelli crashed on lap 22. Although unscathed, he was unable to rejoin the race.

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP at 2022 Australian GP Phillip Island Racer
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP at 2022 Australian GP Phillip Island Racers
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP at 2022 Australian GP Phillip Island Racer

“I started from behind, struggled to recover positions, and unfortunately crashed,” Morbidelli said. “I didn’t have the speed but there was good potential. We struggled to put it all together here but will try again in Malaysia.”

Following the Australian GP, Quartararo has dropped to second in the overall standings with a 14-point deficit and 219 points; Morbidelli remains 19th with 31 points. Yamaha is third with 227 points in the manufacturer championship, and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP is fifth in the team championship with 250 points.

NEXT RACE

The team travels to Malaysia for Round 19 of the 2022 MotoGP season, held at Sepang International Circuit from October 21-23, 2022.