SRT Petronas Yamaha MotoGP rider Fabio Quartararo explained that issues with his front tyre prevented him from challenging during the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello.

The Frenchman appeared to have good race pace and after qualifying in the middle of the front row, many expected Quartararo to be challenging at the front of the race.

Unfortunately for him, a bad start saw him left in the middle of the back, before front tyre issues prevented him from being able to recover and join the lead group.

“I struggled right from the beginning,” said the 20-year-old.

“My start wasn’t bad, but I did a small wheelie that made me lose several positions.

“As the race progressed, the front tyre pressure increased a lot and unfortunately I couldn’t find a good feeling with the front.

“Our pace during the weekend was good, but we couldn’t get a great result. The goal is to be the best rookie, and today we achieved that. I don’t want to rush and I want to go step-by-step.

“Now we are going to Barcelona, which is one of my favourite circuits and I can’t wait to ride there with a MotoGP bike.”