Fabio Quartararo has pinpointed a significant mentality change as Yamaha’s most crucial improvement during the 2024 MotoGP season. The Japanese manufacturer, once a consistent championship contender, has been in a rebuilding phase following consecutive winless campaigns in 2023 and 2024.
Speaking about the transformation, Quartararo emphasized how Yamaha’s approach to development has shifted dramatically, particularly in their handling of new engine updates. Traditionally, Japanese manufacturers like Yamaha would only implement new components after thorough refinement and testing. However, Yamaha broke this mold in 2024, leveraging MotoGP’s new concessions system to introduce engine upgrades throughout the season as soon as they became available.
A pivotal figure in this evolution has been Max Bartolini, Yamaha’s new technical director. Quartararo credited Bartolini with fostering a more proactive and adaptable approach to bike development, which has already yielded positive results.
“More than the improvement of the bike, the way we changed our working mentality was the real game-changer,” Quartararo explained. “When one engine was working, we introduced it immediately in the next race. We didn’t wait for endless tests or refinements. If it was ready and functional, we used it.”
The mid-season adjustments also saw strides in areas like electronics, with Quartararo noting: “The first half of the year was about breaking old habits, and the second half brought real progress in key areas.”
When asked if Yamaha’s old, cautious approach to development is a thing of the past, Quartararo confidently stated: “Yes. At least while I’m here, that will remain the case. It’s the only way to stay competitive.”
Looking ahead, Yamaha will significantly boost its development efforts in 2025. The manufacturer will collaborate with Pramac to field two additional factory M1s, marking the return of a Yamaha satellite team for the first time since RNF switched to Aprilia at the end of 2022.
Quartararo’s optimism reflects the strides Yamaha has made, with the revamped development strategy offering a glimpse of hope for the team to return to the championship conversation in the near future.
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