Fabio Quartararo began riding motorcycles at the age of just four in his native France, although he would soon move to Spain to pursue a career in the sport. It wasn’t long before the youngster started to shine, winning various regional titles in Catalunya in small-cylinder categories between 2008 and 2011, before winning the PreMoto3 national title in 2012.
In 2013 at the age of fourteen, Quartararo made his Moto3 debut in the FIM CEV series and after a difficult start to the season he won the final three races to become the youngest ever champion. The Frenchman defended the title in style in 2014 with podium finishes in every race and nine victories from eleven races.
Such undoubted promise fast-tracked him to the Moto3 World Championship in 2015, just as the minimum age was lowered, allowing him to make his debut at fifteen years of age. After just five rounds Fabio already had two pole positions and a victory to his name, and he would end his rookie season in tenth place, finishing the following year in thirteenth. In 2017 he made the step up to Moto2 in what proved to be a difficult season for the youngster, who would have to wait until 2018 before making the next big stride forward, taking a first podium and win in the intermediate category and finishing the season in the top ten.
For 2019 Quartararo took another big step in his career, making his debut in the MotoGP World Championship with the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team. The season was a stunning success for the young rookie, his promise first delivering at round four in Spain where he took his first pole position and the first for the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team. Quartararo went on to claim a further five poles and seven podiums, fighting for victories throughout the year to finish a remarkable fifth place in the overall standings and win both the Rookie of the Year award and Independent Team Rider’s title.
Staying with the same team for 2020, Quartararo enjoyed a flying start to the season, claiming his maiden victory from pole position in the Spanish GP opener in Jerez, repeating that feat when the championship returned one week later. A third victory came in Barcelona and two more pole positions followed, but an up-and-down campaign saw him drop to eighth in the final riders' standings.
In 2021, the Frenchman stepped into the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and enjoyed a sensational season for the team, becoming the first Frenchman in history to be crowned MotoGP World Champion. His year started in style, with a fifth place and victory in the two races held in Qatar. Another win in Portimao was followed by a pole position and podium in front of his home fans at Le Mans.
Quartararo then took victory at Mugello, Assen, and Silverstone to put him in control of the championship. Two consecutive second-place finishes at Misano and Austin meant he could wrap up the title with two races in hand. He ended the season with five wins and a further five podiums, and he also recorded five consecutive pole positions, amassing 278 points to be crowned the 2023 MotoGP World Champion.
The 2022 season saw Quartararo remain with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and once again fight for the championship. He recorded his first podium of the season at the second round in Austin, while his first victory came during Round 5 at Portimao, which saw him take the lead of the overall standings. He was back on the podium at Jerez and Mugello, and then consecutive victories in Barcelona and at the Sachsenring put him 34 points clear in the championship standings.
The second half of the season proved more challenging, but the determined Frenchman would fight all the way to the end and was back on the podium at the Red Bull Ring. He relinquished the championship lead in Australia but then responded with another podium in Malaysia to ensure the battle went to the final round in Valencia. Despite his best efforts with a fourth-placed finish, he missed out on his second title by just 13 points after a season that saw him claim three victories and a further five podiums to finish second in the championship with 248 points.
For 2023, Quartararo will ride for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team again as he attempts to become a two-time MotoGP World Champion.
Personal Details:
Date of birth: 20-04-1999
Nationality: France
Height: 177cm
Weight (kg): 66 kg
Victories: 12 (3 x MotoGP, 1 x Moto2)
Pole positions: 13 (12 x MotoGP, 1 x Moto2, 2 x Moto3)
Podiums: 32 (28 x MotoGP, 2 x Moto2, 2 x Moto3)
First Grand Prix: Qatar, 2015 (Moto3)
First Pole position: 2015
Career Summary:
2022: Vice-Champion, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team
2021: World Champion, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team
2020: 8th - MotoGP, Petronas Yamaha SRT Team
2019: 5th - MotoGP World Championship, Petronas Yamaha SRT Team
2018: 10th - Moto2
2017: 13th - Moto2 World Championship
2016: 13th - Moto3
2015: 10th - Moto3 World Championship
2014: Champion - Moto3 Junior World Championship
2013: Champion - Moto3 Junior World Championship