Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo showcased another stunning qualifying performance at COTA on Saturday, claiming his 14th front row start of 2021.

The Monster Energy rider has missed just one front row all year, after claiming fifth at Doha, but even he seemed surprised by Saturday’s outcome after struggling with the technical Texas track.

“I didn't expect to make front row today and I didn't expect also Pecco to make this lap time,” Quartararo admitted from the Austin paddock on Saturday evening.

“In the first run I had some trouble then I decided to really push. Sector one was great but then turn 10 I wanted to keep a little bit of margin because we have some trouble on the bumps. Second here is really positive and was great fun.

“Tyre choice will be crucial tomorrow but to be honest, we are between the three tyres,” he continued, looking ahead to Sunday’s 20-lap challenge. “Right now I'm more in to the medium because I made great pace in FP4 but we will need to try something tomorrow in the warm up and make a decision. But in any case, I feel good with the bike.

“I think where the bumps are is first sector so to overtake is quite impossible. My strategy will be the same, I'm starting second and whoever is behind, I need to make the best start as possible, and the best first lap so is the same, who is behind and in front.

“From turn two to turn 10 resurface was agreed by all the riders, and Dorna of course,” Quartararo commented, regarding the current state of the Texan circuit. With riders stating without this intervention, next year’s visit will be highly unlikely. Returning to the weekend’s climax, the Frenchman is cautious but optimistic of race day.

“In the first laps we will see the situation but is just the first section, let's say, that is quite dangerous on the first lap. Sector one, but then as soon as you cross sector one, is quite fine so more than the first laps, I think it's the first sector but then I think everything is okay.

“Our first run [in qualifying] was really consistent, but I don't know why here when I stop and I restart, with our bike we are struggling so much. So on the second run our pace was not so good. But, the race is one go so it should be okay. Let's see, I will do my best. I will give my 100% from the beginning, and then if I see that I have a possibility I will go but if I see that I'm way too much on the limit, I will at least try to make an intelligent race.”

Quartararo’s lead in the Championship standings has been somewhat cut recently, due to the sudden arrival of Pecco Bagnaia, and while many expect the Yamaha rider to be feeling the pressure, he seems as cool and calm as usual.

“To be honest, not really,” he admitted simply when questioned on the matter. "I mean, his position is he's doing a perfect job. Since Aragon he make three pole positions, two wins so he couldn't do better but to be honest I feel also good in this track.

“Of course on Sunday before the start you always feel a little bit more nervous. The race in Misano was feeling more nervous than normal, but this is normal, you are getting closer to the end and you feel nervous but as soon as I start the race I feel normal. So at the moment is not a big difference.”