Fabio Quartararo is optimistic about the upcoming MotoGP Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika, expecting the different Michelin rear tyre construction to bring entertaining racing for Yamaha. After a challenging performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, where lack of rear grip hindered his progress, Quartararo sees potential for improved results on this new tyre.
Challenges Faced by Quartararo and Yamaha at Motegi
The 2021 world champion finished eighth in Japan, trailing the leader by over 21 seconds due to grip problems. Yamaha has struggled recently, with scarce podium finishes this season. At Motegi, Honda’s rider Joan Mir secured second on the grid and eventually took third place in the race, adding to the strong results HRC achieved earlier in the season at Le Mans and Silverstone.
Yamaha’s Prospects on the Stiffer Michelin Tyre at Mandalika
For the Indonesian Grand Prix, Michelin is introducing a stiffer rear carcass tyre designed for circuits that place extra stress on the rubber. Since Mandalika joined the MotoGP calendar in 2022, Quartararo achieved a second-place finish in his debut year and a podium third in 2023, while last year he placed a solid seventh. These past results provide a basis for cautious optimism heading into this weekend’s race.
Quartararo’s Outlook Ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix
Speaking after a Yamaha event in Taiwan, Quartararo expressed positivity about the upcoming races:
“I had a great time in Taiwan, and I feel ready to go back to work.”
He added,
“I think Indonesia could be a good track for us. Last weekend in Motegi, we had a lack of grip, so it was difficult to fight. Let’s see what it will be like in Mandalika, where we will be riding with a different tyre.”
He also mentioned,
“I think Indonesia could be a track where we could get some positive results.”
Despite avoiding big predictions, Quartararo said,
“I don’t really like talking big talk before a GP weekend, but I think we can make a good qualifying and good races here.”
Reflecting on the racing potential, he stated,
“I’m not sure about the possible results, but if I had to choose a track where we can have some fun races, it’s this one.”
Fabio Quartararo, MotoGP rider
Current Standings and Yamaha’s Challenges in the Championship
Yamaha continues to trail behind its Japanese rival Honda in the manufacturers’ championship, positioned last with a 40-point deficit and five rounds remaining. So far, Yamaha’s only grand prix podium this season is Quartararo’s second place at the Spanish Grand Prix, although he has also secured two podiums in sprint races. In contrast, Honda’s competitiveness, highlighted by Mir’s recent podiums and HRC’s earlier victories, underlines the pressure Yamaha faces to improve.
The introduction of the Michelin Mandalika tyre provides a new variable that could influence Yamaha’s performance positively in the final stretch of the season, with Quartararo particularly hopeful it will enable stronger qualifying and race outcomes.
