Fabio Quartararo announced last week the renewal with Monster Energy Yamaha for two years, until the 2026 MotoGP season. It is a decision made as the Iwata manufacturer shows significant progress in the way of working, but for now, still not at the level of results and performances.
The Frenchman confirmed in a press conference that he spoke with other manufacturers and explained how he decided to continue with Yamaha: ‘We talked to different manufacturers. The decision was not that easy, but in Portugal I had a good meeting with the top management of Yamaha engineers about the project from now until the end of the year, and 2025 and 2026. There are some really interesting things that are still confidential about the new people at Yamaha and the project will be huge. So, the decision was made in Portugal‘.
Regarding complaints about performance, Quartararo emphasized that, at this moment, it is an acknowledgment of reality, and not actual complaints – being aware that it takes time to reach the desired level:
– This year I didn’t complain so much, it was basically reality. But I believe the project is more geared towards the future than the present. It started back in January, with engineers coming from Ducati. And I think it will take time. Of course, last year I complained a lot, but this year since Yamaha made this big change, a different mentality and the way they are working now is completely different. But the reality today is that we are still far from the front riders. We need more time to get closer, so it’s not really complaints that I’m saying now and in the last races, but it’s simply the way we are at this moment.
Asked about how much he is already thinking about the new regulations for 2027, the 2021 champion stated: ‘I believe that one of the reasons is that the budget for improving the bike is very high at Yamaha – and exactly the same as before, with the arrival of Massimo Bartolini from Ducati I think he brings us some very good ideas and Yamaha can do it quickly. But not super quickly because we need some time, but I think it’s quite important and I believe that next year will be different.’.
