Untouchable Fabio
Quartararo was untouchable in Jerez in 2020 and 2021. He won both races two years ago by a combined margin of 10.1sec and he was already edging towards being 2sec clear of Jack Miller before arm pump struck last season. So does he feel he has some unfinished business to deliver this weekend?
"Payback? I will say no," started the defending MotoGP world champion. "Because basically, it wasn't an issue with the bike, it was an issue from my side. I would say that I'm arriving much more prepared. The surgery I had last year was perfect, so, of course, I feel we can go super-fast but we need to work on a normal weekend. I feel we have the potential to fight for the victory but we need to do it step-by-step, first Friday and then we'll see our speed."
Title challengers
Arguably the two men most likely to stop the factory Yamaha rider from going back-to-back are Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Espargaro (Aprilia Racing). The pair are breathing down Quartararo's neck in the title chase and are hoping to sneak clear of the Frenchman at what they believe will be an incredibly close and competitive race
So, will we see Marquez back at his best this weekend? Or will it require Monday's (May 2) crucial official test to find the breakthrough they so desperately need to ignite the number 93's title tilt? We will find out this Sunday (May 1) at the Spanish GP!
Swapping bikes for football
Meanwhile, as part of MotoGP's ongoing brand tie-up with the top tier of Spanish League football, a few familiar faces from the paddock headed to La Liga clubs Sevilla and Cadiz.
The visit was just ahead of the Andalusia clasico, which takes place on Friday (April 29) when Sevilla FC take on Cadiz CF at home for the latter in Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium.
From paddock to pitch
Multiple MotoGP race winner Maverick Vinales was joined by Moto2 rider Albert Arenas and Moto3 challenger Izan Guevara at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Sevilla, before other riders headed to the Ciudad Deportiva Bahaa de Cadiz el Rosal.
At Sevilla, the riders toured the stadium and did a shirt swap too, while in Cadiz, there was some challenges for the riders as put their footballing skills to the test!