Fabio Quartararo was just 2.2s slower than Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes F1 simulator run.
The MotoGP champion completed 60 laps of Silverstone in the simulator.
What happened?
Fabio Quartararo had a deal to test a Mercedes F1 car in 2022 but it never happened.
He spent a day with Lewis Hamilton, but they didn't discuss racing.
Why it matters for Fabio Quartararo
The experience has left Quartararo wanting to drive a real F1 car.
He finds the F1 paddock "much more exclusive" than MotoGP.
What comes next?
Quartararo will try to organize a test drive in the future.
He was at the F1 Barcelona Grand Prix, which sparked talk of his Mercedes test plans.
The 2021 MotoGP world champion is eager to try something new.
And he's not the only MotoGP rider interested in F1, with Marc Marquez also attending the Barcelona F1 weekend.
But for now, Quartararo is focused on his MotoGP career.
So he's taking things one step at a time.
The Czech Grand Prix is his next challenge.
He's ready to take on the track and compete with the best.
With his impressive simulator run, Quartararo has shown he has the skills to succeed in F1.
But it's not just about the skills - it's about the opportunity.
And Quartararo is hoping to get that opportunity soon.
As he said, "I made 60 laps in Silverstone in the simulator, and I was 2.2 seconds from Bottas, so it was not so bad."
That's a promising result for the young rider.
And it's got everyone talking about his potential in F1.