Fabio Quartararo has acknowledged that his relationship with Yamaha is somewhat strained. After securing the world championship with Yamaha in 2021, the underperforming bike has led the French rider to voice his concerns. Nevertheless, Yamaha, largely due to the arrival of technical director Massimo Meregalli, managed to persuade Quartararo to commit to a new two-year contract for 2024.
Although he has shown improvements this year—earning four pole positions and two podium finishes in both Sprint and Grand Prix races—Quartararo has recently expressed frustration with Yamaha’s performance. His future with the team beyond 2025 seems to hinge on the debut of the new V4 engine, which team principal Paolo Pavesio has hinted might arrive next year.
During the German Grand Prix, Quartararo offered his take on the V4’s development, suggesting that while the new engine might bring changes, it won’t completely overhaul the current M1 model. He told Motorsport.com he wasn’t sure what Pavesio was thinking with his remarks and doubted he was heavily involved in technical decisions. Quartararo emphasized that what matters most is having a competitive bike next year, regardless of whether it’s a V4 or not.
He admitted feeling somewhat anxious since continual improvements are always expected, but acknowledged they have yet to reach the desired level. He explained that while the V4 bike gives good feedback, it delivers slower lap times, which are crucial to him. Though the bike’s feel is important, ultimately, faster lap times take priority.
Quartararo had a solid performance at the German Grand Prix, placing third in the wet sprint and finishing fourth in the main race, but he was dissatisfied with Yamaha’s handling in dry conditions.
Fan Take: This development highlights Yamaha’s ongoing struggle to match the pace of their rivals, which is crucial for fans following the fierce competition in MotoGP. Quartararo’s candid remarks showcase the high stakes and pressures riders face, hinting at possible technical innovations that could shake up the sport’s dynamics in the near future.
