Fabio Quartararo, 2021 MotoGP world champion, has issued a strong warning about Yamaha’s preparations for the 2025 season, highlighting serious concerns about the manufacturer’s progress. During the 2024 Barcelona post-season test, the team made what Quartararo described as its only major improvement, underscoring growing doubts over Yamaha 2025 MotoGP struggles and their future competitiveness in the premier class.
Early Promise Fades into Ongoing Difficulties
After a winter that suggested Yamaha could challenge at the front, the start of the season appeared encouraging. Quartararo achieved a podium at the Spanish Grand Prix and was leading the British Grand Prix with a chance of victory until a catastrophic failure of his ride height device dashed his hopes. However, since the initial races at Le Mans, Jerez, and Silverstone, Yamaha’s performance sharply declined. They have not reached the podium again after Jerez, while rival manufacturers such as Honda have enjoyed multiple successes, including a race win and two additional podium finishes.
Quartararo Candid About Yamaha’s Current Package
As Yamaha focuses on developing its new V4 machine for 2025, Quartararo’s feedback about the bike’s performance has been sobering. Ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix, the rider admitted,
No, I think the biggest step we did for this year was the 2024 Barcelona test,
Fabio Quartararo, MotoGP rider. Although some improvements have been made, Quartararo emphasized the ongoing struggles since early in the campaign. He explained,
The best moments that we had were the beginning of the year – the first three races [in Europe], that was Le Mans, Jerez, and Silverstone. Since then, we are really struggling,
Fabio Quartararo, MotoGP rider.
Strong Qualifying Pace Amid Race Day Challenges
Despite difficulties during races, Quartararo has displayed strong qualifying speed, earning four pole positions and consistently securing top-six grid spots in all but two events since Mugello. As he prepares for the Mandalika round, he remains cautiously optimistic, recalling last year’s problem with rear tire performance:
The potential was there but we could not really make the tyres work on the rear. So, hopefully this year is going to be better.
Fabio Quartararo, MotoGP rider. Quartararo aims to convert his single-lap speed into stronger race pace, which could be vital for Yamaha’s hopes in the coming seasons.
The Road Ahead for Yamaha’s Championship Aspirations
With the 2025 season rapidly approaching, Yamaha faces mounting pressure to resolve the issues highlighted by Quartararo’s candid remarks. The team must identify and address their technical shortcomings to avoid falling further behind rivals such as Honda. The seasoned rider’s insights may prove crucial in reshaping Yamaha’s development path, as the paddock watches closely to see if the manufacturer can turn its fortunes around and return to title contention.
