As the MotoGP caravan moves to the Mandalika circuit in Indonesia, French rider Fabio Quartararo faces a tense situation with his team, Yamaha. Known for his aggressive riding style and previous world championship title, Quartararo is grappling with the ongoing struggles of the Yamaha M1’s performance, which threatens his chances this season. The issue of competitiveness remains paramount, underscoring the urgency surrounding his preparations for the upcoming race weekend.
Hopes and Concerns Surround Yamaha’s Performance at Mandalika
Quartararo enters the Indonesian Grand Prix with cautious optimism about his qualifying pace but highlights persistent problems, especially with tire management. Reflecting on last year’s race, he noted struggles with rear tire grip that significantly affected his performance and overall results.
I know I can be really fast on this track,
Quartararo said confidently ahead of the event. Yet, he also admitted,
Last year was tough; the potential was there, but we just couldn’t get the rear tires to work properly,
illustrating the ongoing challenge Yamaha faces in extracting consistency from their tires.
Rear Tire Performance Crucial for Better Results at Lombok Circuit
With Mandalika’s unique features—known for its good grip and low tire wear—Quartararo believes that improved tire performance could unlock much-needed pace. He stressed that sorting out the rear tire issue remains a key factor in shaping how the weekend will unfold.
Once we have that sorted, I think we’ll have a clearer idea of our trajectory this weekend.
Success here could highlight a turning point in Yamaha’s campaign, allowing Quartararo to regain competitive footing.
Limited Progress Since Last Year’s Barcelona Test Raises Concerns
Despite some gains made during testing in Barcelona last year, Quartararo acknowledges that Yamaha’s development has stalled in recent months. The team has struggled to bridge the gap to rival manufacturers, especially noticeable in the opening races of 2025.
We made some important strides in Barcelona, but since then, things have been really tough,
Quartararo admitted openly. Nevertheless, he remains focused on self-improvement amid these difficulties, stating,
I want to focus on myself and improve as a rider,
emphasizing personal growth even as technical issues persist.
Tensions Behind the Scenes in Yamaha’s Garage Highlight Organizational Challenges
Quartararo’s frustrations extend beyond the bike’s performance to internal team dynamics. While praising his immediate crew’s dedication and mechanical support, he pointed to pressure coming from higher levels within Yamaha’s organization.
My team is doing everything they can. The mechanics are working beautifully, and my chief engineer is striving to provide me with the best feedback possible. But the issue lies beyond them; they aren’t the ones developing the bike or creating a new engine,
he explained, highlighting a disconnect between the garage operations and broader development efforts. He also described the atmosphere as generally positive but with tension from certain key figures:
While the atmosphere is generally positive, there are certain individuals with whom the vibe is a bit more tense.
Mixed Feelings About Yamaha’s V4 Engine Project Development
Yamaha’s plans to introduce a new V4 engine have generated anticipation, but Quartararo remains cautious about its current readiness. He sees potential in the project but doubts it is ready to solve the existing problems the team faces.
The V4 project is still in its infancy and hasn’t yet addressed the long-standing issues that the M1 has faced,
he commented, expressing concern that the new engine is far from a solution for the immediate challenges.
Future Tests Will Be Decisive for Quartararo’s Commitment to Yamaha
The next rounds of testing in Malaysia and Thailand are especially critical for Quartararo, as the results could determine his future with Yamaha. He insinuates that having a truly competitive bike will be necessary for him to continue supporting the Japanese manufacturer.
I could have the most competitive bike for the Malaysia and Thailand tests, but that’s when we’ll truly see if they can deliver a machine that competes at the highest level,
he said plainly, indicating that his career decisions may hinge on Yamaha’s ability to improve.
Looking Ahead to Indonesia, Yamaha Faces High Stakes
As the Indonesian MotoGP approaches, the spotlight is firmly on Yamaha’s efforts to address their competitiveness struggles. Fabio Quartararo’s candid reflections reveal the mounting pressure on the factory squad to deliver better results, not only to support their star rider but also to remain competitive in the championship fight. The outcome in Mandalika could signal whether Yamaha is reversing its fortunes or continuing a difficult path in 2025.
