MotoGP star Fabio Quartararo has pulled back the curtain on his decision to stay with Yamaha, despite heavy consideration to jump ship in 2023. In a candid interview with Manuel Pecino, Quartararo revealed the driving factors that ultimately kept him with Yamaha and the ambitious overhaul the team is undergoing to turn the tide.
“In September 2023, I was seriously thinking about switching brands,” Quartararo admitted. “I needed specific things to believe in Yamaha’s project—top-tier engineers, investment in aerodynamics, and a plan to compete at the highest level.” Yamaha, Quartararo says, rose to the challenge, expanding their budget and staffing to give him confidence in the team’s future. “Yamaha’s loyalty has also been a huge factor. They brought me to MotoGP when I was a ‘nobody,’ and that’s something I don’t take lightly.”
A Shift in Yamaha’s Working Culture
Quartararo highlighted the changes Yamaha has implemented to stay competitive, including a new, more “aggressive” work style influenced by European teams. “We’re operating on a different level now compared to earlier this year. The satellite team is also crucial to fast-tracking development. We’re now tackling upgrades in real-time, pushing through changes like new engines and chassis setups at speeds Yamaha never attempted before,” he noted.
The team has even leveraged concessions to rework engines four or five times this season. “This approach has never happened before. Yamaha’s focus on reliability is shifting to prioritize adaptability, and we’ve done a lot, even if the results haven’t fully shown it.”
Power vs. Agility: A Constant Balancing Act
This season, Quartararo felt the pressure as Yamaha tried to find a balance between power and agility. “At the start, we had speed, but the bike didn’t turn well. We dialed back, giving up almost 10 km/h to regain some of that lost agility,” he said. Now, the goal is to boost horsepower while preserving the bike’s maneuverability—a delicate challenge with no quick fixes.
Quartararo admitted that the push for power had impacted agility, with tweaks to the engine affecting the bike’s natural handling. “There are probably engine changes that affect the bike’s agility. To gain power, we’ve had to sacrifice other elements, but we’re adjusting.”
Quartararo also addressed the critics who called him a “mercenary” for considering offers from other teams. “I don’t care what people say,” he responded. “Why would I lie and say money didn’t influence my decision at all? It’s not my main reason, but of course, it’s a factor. Ninety-nine percent of people would have done the same in my position.”
While many believe Quartararo is betting everything on Yamaha adopting the V4 engine, he clarified that he sees it as part of a broader shift. “The V4 has potential, as shown by Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. Even Honda has strengths we lack. But no, I’m not putting everything on a V4—it’s a phase. We’ll need to evaluate everything,” he said.
As the 2024 season approaches, Quartararo’s loyalty to Yamaha, combined with the team’s new focus on rapid development, might just be the comeback story MotoGP fans have been waiting for. With Quartararo’s determination and Yamaha’s new approach, the Frenchman is betting on a stronger, faster, and more aggressive season ahead.