As Yamaha attempts to reinvent its engine with the arrival of a V4, Fabio Quartararo navigates between hopes and uncertainties. At Sepang, the 2021 world champion got a taste of the challenges that await him, and it is clear that the road is fraught with obstacles. Between injuries and mixed performances, the French rider does not hide his concern about the competition. It seems there is still much to be done for Yamaha to regain its place on the podium.
Promising Beginnings but Disappointing Results
The week of testing at Sepang was marked by mixed feelings for Quartararo. Although he had the opportunity to test the new version of the Yamaha, he could not escape reality: the competition is fierce. After a fall that resulted in a finger injury, he had to exercise caution. Nevertheless, he was able to ride for a day and a half, discovering the characteristics of this new engine block.
“I can’t say that I’m confident because we see how much we are struggling,” he stated. A phrase that resonates like a cry from the heart. In a world where every tenth of a second counts, Quartararo quickly realized that the times of his Yamaha are far from competitive. “The only thing I can do is give my best,” he added, aware that hard work is the key to his success.
Still Major Weaknesses
The transition to the V4 is not without its bumps. Quartararo, used to the inline four-cylinder, still feels gaps in the behavior of his new mount. “I immediately felt the things I needed to change, what I needed to adapt,” he explained. While adaptation seems to be happening, weaknesses remain.
The rider highlights issues with traction, grip, and power. “There are a lot of things to adjust,” he specified. This assessment is not surprising, as the M1 has seen notable improvements in braking but has lost effectiveness in corners. “We can stop a bit better with both wheels,” Quartararo noted, while regretting that in terms of grip, “it’s not better.” The road to optimal performance still seems long.
A Colossal Amount of Work to Do
While the initial tests did not meet expectations, Quartararo remains clear-headed. “There are sensations that are good, but others that are bad,” he summarized. For him, improving top speed and cornering behavior is crucial. “We haven’t gained much compared to last year’s bike, but we’ve mostly lost,” he insisted.
Despite these difficulties, it is important to keep in mind that the beginnings of a new machine often involve adjustments. Yamaha’s engineers will have to work tirelessly to correct these weaknesses and provide their rider with a competitive tool. In the meantime, other competitors continue to accelerate, leaving Quartararo with a sense of urgency.
Unwavering Motivation
In this rather gloomy context, Quartararo displays unwavering determination. His bloodied hand and the problems encountered with the Yamaha do not seem to dampen his motivation. On the contrary, he clings to the present and seeks to give his best, even if he is aware that his future could unfold elsewhere.
Rumors persist about a possible transfer to Honda, but Quartararo remains focused on his current mission. “Honestly, no. I’m more in the present,” he asserts, while keeping his enthusiasm intact. “That’s what keeps my motivation alive,” he concluded. A mindset that could well allow him to overcome this difficult period and look to the future with optimism.
In the meantime, MotoGP fans and automobile enthusiasts can follow the evolution of this situation on dedicated motorsport platforms like MotoGP news. The competition is intensifying, and each test is another step toward the resolution of this thrilling season.
