The 2021 world champion, Fabio Quartararo, recently extended his contract with Yamaha despite the difficulties encountered by the Japanese brand in recent seasons. In an exclusive interview, the French driver explained the reasons for his decision and discussed the changes underway within the team.
Since his debut in Moto3 at the age of 15, Fabio Quartararo has continued to be followed by the world of MotoGP. After winning the world title in 2021, the Frenchman experienced more complicated seasons, notably in 2023 where he finished in tenth place in the championship. However, he chose to renew his contract with Yamaha .
« I extended my contract with Yamaha because I have confidence in this project. I had the opportunity to join another team, but my loyalty to Yamaha is enormous and Yamaha has also been very loyal to me" , has explained Quarterly on speedweek. The French driver underlined the importance of the changes made within the team: “ I wanted people who had worked in other factories and had experience with other machines. Yamaha gave me everything I asked for."
fabio quartararo also spoke about the changing mentality within Yamaha : " three years ago I was world champion. Did I think the sport would change so quickly? Honestly no. We are currently in a difficult situation. However, I think things can improve just as quickly. I have this confidence. The work that Yamaha is currently doing is truly incredible. I've been a Yamaha rider for six years now, but in all those years, I have never experienced such a big change in mentality. They are very motivated to get back to the top."
Fabio Quartararo: “ 2019 was my best year. I've never had this much fun, not even when I won the championship »
Despite the difficulties encountered with the Yamaha M1, Quarterly remains optimistic: to be honest, I feel almost no pressure at the moment. I feel the machine is getting better and better. It gives me joy. Of course I don't like the current results, but it's a long process and there's still a long way to go."
The French pilot also spoke about the technical evolution of MotoGP : " for me these things like trim or winglets don't make a difference. If you're in front, you're having fun. For me, 2019 was my best year. I've never had as much fun as I did back then. Not even when I won the championship. But I believe that with the new rules, 2027 will be a good year for MotoGP."
