Fabio Quartararo has stated that the competitiveness of Yamaha’s 2026 bike will be the defining factor for his continued presence in MotoGP, emphasizing the importance of performance improvements. Speaking after his first complete test of Yamaha’s new V4 engine at Misano, he expressed disappointment in the bike’s current capabilities.
He highlighted several critical areas needing enhancement, specifically top speed, grip, electronics, and aerodynamics, which he described as largely unchanged from the previous Inline4 model. Speaking in Italy, Quartararo said,
“So far, I don’t see any progress in the areas we need,”
adding,
“The top speed is pretty slow. The grip is still not there. We still have a lot of work to do with the electronics. The aerodynamics are more-or-less a copy-and-paste from the Inline4.”
When asked at Motegi whether these comments were intended to pressure Yamaha, Quartararo responded confidently that he was not applying undue stress.
“I don’t think I need to put a lot of pressure on them, because the bike we’ll be using in 2026 is the one that will decide my future. I think they want to keep me and they know what they have to do,”
he explained. He continued,
“So I’m not pushing too hard. I’m just waiting. Clearly, we’re only at the beginning, but I hope they’ll provide some updates in the areas where we’re struggling the most.”
Yamaha has yet to officially confirm whether the V4, slated for two additional wildcard races with test rider Augusto Fernandez at Sepang and Valencia, will replace the Inline4 in the upcoming season. This decision remains pivotal for both Quartararo and the manufacturer’s future direction.
Quartararo Applauds Marquez’s Stunning Comeback
In addition to discussing his own situation, Quartararo praised Marc Marquez’s remarkable resurgence in MotoGP, as Marquez, riding for Ducati Lenovo, nears his first title since 2019. That year, the two riders were fierce competitors, often battling for race wins.
Reflecting on the intervening years, Quartararo noted,
“For me, what matters is the six years in the middle, between our duels in 2019 and now.”
He recounted Marquez’s dominant 2020 season before injuries and less competitive machinery challenged the eight-time world champion. Marquez’s move from satellite to factory teams marked a slow recovery.
Quartararo rated Marquez’s performance as exemplary:
“His season has just been amazing. Mentally, it’s about how strong he is and his quality as a rider. For me, it’s a 10 out of 10.”
Outlook for Yamaha and MotoGP Title Races
The performance of Yamaha’s 2026 motorcycle will be critical not only for Quartararo’s career decisions but also for the team’s competitiveness in the evolving MotoGP landscape. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez’s sustained excellence keeps him a strong contender heading into the final stages of the season. The upcoming wildcard races with Augusto Fernandez will provide further insights into Yamaha’s development progress, shaping expectations for the next chapter of MotoGP racing.
