Given the amount of Internet noise generated about Fabio Quartararo’s move to Moto3 at the age of 15 (the Regulations require a rider to be at least 16, unless there’s a compelling financial reason to ignore this rule), I was very interested to see what the youngster was like in person. If you watched the Moto3 race, you know what he’s like at speed: he’s the real deal, and clearly going to be something special in the years to come. Heck, he’s already something special, coming to GPs as two-time CEV champ and having led some laps in his first Moto3 race. It’s just a matter of time before he hits the podium, and I fully expect him to win at least one race in his rookie season.

But what I wanted to know was: Is this kid someone I can root for on a personal level, not just because his riding skills are already so impressive?

I lucked into a situation where I was able to answer that question. At the end of QP2 I walked away from the garages to watch the bikes complete their final QP laps. I happened to find young Mr. Quartararo doing the same thing, leaning through pit lane’s wire fence to watch as the MotoGP bikes sped by.

First it seemed a good chance for a portrait, so I aimed the 70-200mm at him and wondered what I’d get back. A nervous look, uncomfortable with the new attention he’s receiving in the GP paddock? A Jack Miller-esque gang sign and goofy smile? A stone-face look of enduring this necessity and wishing it would end as soon as possible? Or a turn and walk away to avoid having his picture taken?

As you can see, I got a pleasant, genuine, at ease smile, neither anxious and uncomfortable nor annoyed at having a rare moment of solitude intruded upon by a photographer. So far, so good in the personality book.

Portrait in the can, I turned my attention back to the bikes until I noticed that Fabio, standing ten or so feet away, had no ear plugs. As the MotoGP bikes accelerate down the straight, they are, in a word, loud. I felt in my vest pocket and found one new pair of ear plugs. I moved over to Fabio, tapped his shoulder, and offered the ear plugs to him.

This is another situation where a personality emerges. I offer ear plugs from time to time to those in need. Some accept graciously, even gratefully, while others decline for one reason or another, and with varying degrees of civility.

Fabio smiled again, mouthed Thank you in English, took the small package and went to work putting the foam pieces in his ears. Personality +1.

As it was nearly the end of the session, a short time later we both turned away from the track to return to pit lane. As we did, he gave me another smile and, in the newly quiet environment, said again, “Thank you again for the ear plugs!” I am a sucker for good manners. Personality +10

I appreciate good manners in anyone I meet, but I’m particularly appreciative when they come from a young person who is the center of attention and upon whom such high expectations are being placed. Fabio Quartararo is in a bright spot light; the paddock is watching his every move and expecting not merely race wins but world titles in his near future. This is not an easy situation for a kid to be in, and can easily lead to conceit and arrogance. This is part of the reason why I’m a proponent of easing young riders onto the world stage rather than rushing them.

Quartararo is handling this situation very gracefully as far as I can see. He is certainly a rider I will be watching closely and rooting for.

Photograph: ©2015 by Scott Jones / PHOTO.GP – All Rights Reserved

Camera Info: Nikon D4 with Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8

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