Fabio Quartararo has voiced his frustration, stating that his Yamaha bike is currently performing worse compared to its rivals, following a disappointing 11th-place finish at the season-opening Qatar MotoGP.
Despite an optimistic winter marked by key engineering additions from Ducati and developmental benefits under the new concessions rule, Quartararo and teammate Alex Rins faced a harsh reality check in Qatar.
When asked if this Yamaha is the worst he has experienced, Quartararo acknowledged the team’s incremental improvements but emphasized the widening gap compared to competitors, labeling the situation as the most challenging yet.
He expressed feeling as though he’s competing in a “championship of the others,” dominated by Yamaha and Honda riders, signaling a concerning trend for the Japanese manufacturer.
Of particular concern was the Yamaha’s loss of speed through long corners, a previously strong suit, leaving Quartararo and the team questioning their performance in such sections.
With Quartararo’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Yamaha faces the risk of losing its star rider if competitive alternatives arise. However, it was never expected that. The concessions implemented would yield immediate results. And Yamaha hopes for gradual improvement as the 2024 season progresses.
The next round in Portimao presents an opportunity for Yamaha to rebound and address their current challenges on the track.
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