2021 Portuguese GP - Fabio Quartararo's First Title
Fabio Quartararo's historic first title at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
The 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship was the premier class of the 73rd FIM Road Racing World Championship season. Fabio Quartararo won his first world title, with five race wins ahead of securing the title in the third last race of the season. Quartararo became the first ever Frenchman to win the premier class title, which was also the first title for a non-Spanish rider since Australian Casey Stoner in 2011. The season also saw Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín win their first premier class races. In the overall standings, Bagnaia secured second place and reigning champion Joan Mir secured third place, while Martín was named rookie of the year. Ducati secured the constructors' championship for the second consecutive season and the teams' championship for the first time since 2007. In total, eight different riders won Grands Prix during the season.
Quick Facts
- Champion
- Fabio Quartararo
- Team
- Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
- Circuit
- Algarve International Circuit (Portimão)
- Date
- October 24, 2021
- Race winner
- Miguel Oliveira
- Historic milestone
- First French World Champion in MotoGP
Lore & Background
Fabio Quartararo clinched his first MotoGP world title at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the third last race of the season. He became the first French premier class champion and the first non-Spanish champion since Casey Stoner in 2011. The season marked the final year for seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi after 22 seasons in the premier class. Marc Márquez returned from injury at the third round in Portugal and won three races from summer onwards.
Reader's Guide
The 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix was the third round of the season, not the final round. The season had 18 rounds, with Portimão serving as the third race. Fabio Quartararo did not win his first title at this event; his title was secured at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Miguel Oliveira did not win his maiden premier class victory at this event; his first MotoGP win was at the 2020 Styrian GP. Oliveira finished 14th in the championship, not third. Maverick Viñales did not finish third in this race; he left Yamaha mid-season. The third-place finisher at the 2021 Portuguese GP was Jack Miller.
Did You Know?
- The 2021 season was the final season for Valentino Rossi after 22 years in the premier class.
- Marc Márquez returned at the third race in Portugal after missing most of 2020 due to injury.
More in Iconic Races & Moments
Elsewhere in MotoGP
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced