Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha’s MotoGP rider and 2021 world champion, has decided to withdraw from the remaining two days of the 2026 Sepang test after experiencing a high-speed crash on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at Turn 5 of the Sepang circuit, prompting medical evaluation due to injuries sustained during the fall.
Details of the Crash and Injuries
During the morning session, Quartararo lost control at a high speed and slid into the gravel trap. Though he was able to return to the track later that day, he suffered a broken finger and reported arm soreness from the crash. Yamaha’s team principal, Massimo Meregalli, had earlier indicated that resting Quartararo could be necessary for the remaining test days.
Quartararo confirmed his withdrawal to focus on healing and preparing for the next test session scheduled in Buriram for February 21-22. He expressed regret about stopping early but emphasized health as the priority.
“The arm is a bit sore, but the finger is broken,”
he said.
“So, we’ve decided to stop for the next two days of test. I think it’s for the best. Of course, if it were a race weekend, I could continue. But there is no sense to continue for two more days. A bit sad because, of course, I want to ride, but for the first race it’s better. The arm is nothing really strange, but for my finger it’s better.”
Assessment of the Yamaha V4 and Test Progress
Despite the setback, Quartararo has already spent two full days on track during the Sepang shakedown, benefiting from Yamaha’s concession ranking to test various components on the new Yamaha V4 machine. He acknowledged that the bike remains a long way from the performance level the team needs.
“I think, especially more than work, we tested a lot of things,”
Quartararo noted.
“There is a lot to do, because we know especially over one lap what we miss, over the pace. We have to work hard because we are still very, very far. I know the team is working hard, so I’m crossing my fingers for Thailand.”
Explaining the crash, he said,
“I lost it pretty straight, don’t really know what happened. But it was a fast one and I finished far into the gravel. Unfortunately, not lucky today. But, like I said, it could be much worse.”
Implications for Upcoming Testing and Season Preparation
Quartararo’s early exit from Sepang highlights the challenges Yamaha faces as it develops its latest bike, with the rider balancing recovery against the urgency to improve competitive pace. His decision to prioritize healing ahead of the Buriram test indicates a cautious approach aimed at ensuring readiness for the start of the season. The circumstances underline the physical risks riders face during high-speed testing and the impact injuries can have on team preparations.
Yamaha and Quartararo remain focused on closing the performance gap ahead of the season opener, with the upcoming tests in Thailand forming a crucial part of that effort.
