This Friday, the renewal of Fabio Quartararo with Yamaha in MotoGP until 2026 was announced in a somewhat surprising way. Since making his debut in the premier class in 2019, the rider has been linked to the Iwata manufacturer, but there were many doubts about his continuity beyond 2024.
In recent years, there has been a sharp drop in performance by the Japanese bike, which is currently one of the least competitive in the field – alongside Honda. This year, both manufacturers have access to the highest level of concessions possible in the new system, but so far the results have not improved.
However, it is a process that takes time – the result of the work that is now being done differently will still take some time to be seen. And, from the statements he has been making in recent months, Quartararo is pleased with the change in approach and mentality of Yamaha.
In addition to having concessions, the manufacturer has somewhat approached the European way of working. They have hired important European technicians, such as Max Bartolini (former Ducati) or Luca Marmorini (who is a consultant and has a background as an engineer at Ferrari in Formula 1).
At only 24 years old, Quartararo can afford to give this time to Yamaha for now. He has left behind other alleged possibilities that were speculated in recent weeks, such as Aprilia or Ducati – which currently have considerably more competitive bikes than the Yamaha YZR-M1.
This renewal is therefore also a vote of confidence from El Diablo in the Japanese builder – who now has to justify it to keep Quartararo satisfied and, eventually, have a chance to renew his contract beyond 2026. The die is cast. In the coming months, there should be indicators of the progress that Yamaha may or may not make.
