Fabio Quartararo has expressed uncertainty about whether he will miss Yamaha’s inline MotoGP bikes after the factory team switches to V4 engines next season. He noted that his feelings will depend on how well the new bike performs. Speaking at the close of the 2025 season, Quartararo remarked, “Maybe I’ll miss it or maybe I won’t—I don’t know what next year’s bike will be like.” He acknowledged the V4 switch as a positive change but admitted he would likely miss the current bike. Quartararo also saw this transition as a new phase in his career.
Throughout his MotoGP tenure, Quartararo has ridden Yamaha’s inline engine bikes, securing 11 victories, 32 podium finishes, and the 2021 World Championship title. After a best finish of fifth in 2024, he returned to the podium at Jerez this season and was on track for a win at Silverstone until a ride height system malfunction dashed his hopes. Despite earning two Sprint podiums afterward, Quartararo indicated that Yamaha’s development focus had shifted toward the upcoming inline M1 model, resulting in minimal improvements on the 2025 bike. “I believe the engineers concentrated more on the 2026 bike,” he said, expressing hope for a high-performance machine in 2026.
When asked about the most significant advancements for the inline machines during their final season, Quartararo highlighted electronics, saying, “We gradually increased engine power, but that wasn’t enough. We did a lot of work on electronics, improving how quickly we can adapt with less reliance on electronics. That was the biggest step.” Quartararo ended the season ninth in the World Championships with nearly twice as many points as in 2024. The next highest Yamaha rider was Jack Miller from Pramac, who finished 17th.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing fans as it signals a major technical shift for Yamaha and the sport at large, potentially reshaping competition dynamics. Quartararo’s experience and perspective underscore the challenges and excitement that come with innovation in MotoGP, setting the stage for a compelling 2026 season.
