Fabio Quartararo faces uncertainty about whether he will miss racing Yamaha’s Inline MotoGP machine, as the team is set to adopt a new V4 engine next season. His assessment, however, will depend on how the new motorcycle performs during its first campaigns.
Throughout his entire MotoGP career, the French rider has competed with Yamaha’s Inline configuration, earning 11 wins, 32 podium finishes, and securing the 2021 world championship title. In the 2024 season, his best finish was fifth place. This year, he achieved a podium return in Jerez and came close to victory at Silverstone, but a mechanical issue with a ride-height device dashed those hopes.
Yamaha’s Focus Shifts to the Future
Quartararo noted that the level of improvement for the Inline M1 was limited in 2025, as Yamaha’s engineers began concentrating more on developing the 2026 machine. His remarks highlight the shift in priorities as the manufacturer prepares to leave behind its longstanding engine layout.
Maybe I’m gonna miss it or not! We don’t know how is next year’s bike,
Quartararo, speaking at the end of the 2025 MotoGP season.
It will also be a new step in my career, so let’s see.
I think the engineers were more focused on the 2026 bike,
Quartararo remarked.
The Frenchman expressed hope that this focus would pay off as Yamaha seeks a more competitive package in the coming years.
But I hope it’s for a good reason, to have a really performing bike for 2026.
Major Progress Noted in Electronics
Asked which area saw the most significant improvement during the Inline engine’s final MotoGP season, Quartararo emphasized advancements in electronics. While there were marginal gains in engine power, he highlighted that development efforts were concentrated on refining the bike’s electronic systems.
So the biggest step that we did was the electronics, to understand how I can adapt better, to be faster with less electronics. So this, I would say, was the biggest step that we did.
This year, Quartararo finished ninth in the world championship standings, nearly doubling his points tally from the previous season. The next closest Yamaha competitor was Pramac’s Jack Miller, who finished in 17th place.
Significance for Quartararo and Yamaha
This transitional period marks a pivotal moment for both Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha in MotoGP. As the team moves towards a V4 engine, all eyes will be on Quartararo’s adaptability and the engineers’ ability to deliver a more competitive bike. The shift signifies the end of an era for Yamaha’s iconic Inline M1, while opening new possibilities for innovation and success in MotoGP’s fiercely competitive environment.
