Quartararo buoyed by Doha GP victory

Fabio Quartararo says his Doha GP victory provided a "boost of confidence for the future" and much more of a lift than his wins last season.

Quartararo topped the podium three times last year and gave Monster Yamaha a second successive win in Qatar on Sunday.

The 21-year-old came out on top under the lights at the Losail International Circuit ahead of compatriot Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), giving France a first double premier-class podium since way back in 1954.

Zarco's rookie team-mate Jorge Martin secured a maiden MotoGP™ podium finish in a thriller, which saw the closest top-15 finish in history.

Quartararo struggled with the pressure of mounting a championship challenge in 2020 and has worked closely with a psychologist in recent months.

He took great heart from rising to the occasion with his first victory of the season in the second round.

"I feel like this win gives me much more confidence than the wins from last year as I came from far back," Quartararo said.

"In the test it was difficult and I say woah, because the Ducati are fast in the straight and in the pace and it would be difficult to beat them

"But actually you need to look at yourself and try to be the best you can, and this is what we did today and it gave me a boost of confidence for the future."

Quartararo is four points behind early championship leader Zarco in the standings.