Yamaha is going through a period of turbulence. After some promising flashes at the start of the season, the tuning fork brand is struggling to keep pace. Fabio Quartararo, who is heading into the Catalan Grand Prix this weekend, is no longer hiding his frustration—but also his desire to push the factory to accelerate its technical revolution.
The Frenchman is placing his hopes in the decisive test of MisanoWhere Augusto Fernandez will ride the new one for the first time V4 engine. A pivotal step according to Quarterly :
“More than surprised by this decision, I am delighted, because In Japan, they know they are months behind.The bike I will personally use in the next tests will be very similar. In my opinion, It is important to speed up its development and test it, so as not to waste time. »
For him, Yamaha must absolutely turn the page on the current M1. Quarterly assumes a deliberately incisive speech in the box:
« My harsh comments are meant to be encouragement, not mere criticism. It's a way of making the manufacturer understand that we need to roll up our sleeves and get back to where we should be.I don't think my aggression is negative. I try to be the one who attacks the most in the pits. »
Fabio Quartararo: “ there is nothing more to develop on the current M1 »
The Frenchman draws a clear line: the future is in the V4, not in a breathless M1.
« I think the focus is on the V4, and there is nothing more to develop on the current M1, but it might not work. It took Honda several years to recover, and now they're doing it.t. For example, in Brno, Mir was fast, and overall, they were competitive in Austria and Hungary. They have taken a step forward, while we still have to improve. Hopefully the V4 will help with that. »
The 2021 MotoGP world champion has not yet had the opportunity to test this 2026 weapon.
« I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but I know this will be the bike of 2026 and that, in accordance with the regulations, it cannot be used immediately in racing, in particular because all the aerodynamic modifications have been made. But seeing Augusto pilot it will be great. »
That being said, fabio quartararo don't expect a miracle this weekend. Tomorrow, the grip will be very weak, so I know we will have a lot of trouble, but it should improve after that »
Lucidity is brutal about the current situation: “ we are clearly last. Even though we're working hard. At the Red Bull Ring, we put all four of our bikes at the back, and at Balaton, a few crashes and Ogura's presence helped us, but three M1s finished lastWe are clearly still fighting. »
Quarterly don't give up, but his message on motosan is clear: Yamaha no longer has the luxury of waiting. V4 is the lifeline, and the test of Misano will be the first true justice of the peace.
