Fabio Quartararo not optimistic about Yamaha’s short-term future
Fabio Quartararo has once again given a downbeat assessment of Yamaha’s short-term outlook, this time ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. He was the highest finisher for the team in Thailand, coming home in 14th place.
Yamaha had already acknowledged they were likely to struggle early in 2026 after switching from an inline-four engine to a V4. There is some hope that things could improve later in the year, perhaps after the summer break.
But while their riders tried to brace themselves, the reality has not been easy to accept, particularly for Quartararo, who won the world championship with the team in 2021.
Fabio Quartararo says ‘no track can help us’
Speaking to outlets including GPOne, Quartararo said there’s no reason to think Yamaha would gain anything from the unfamiliarity of the Goiania circuit. If grip levels are low or the forecasted rain arrives, it could be an equaliser in theory.
Like most teams, Yamaha took part in testing at Jerez during the break between races. Toprak Razgatlioglu was their only regular MotoGP rider present.
The main focus of the test was developing Pirelli tyres for 2027, though Razgatlioglu did get some time on Michelins. Even so, Quartararo isn’t expecting much to change, noting that the bike still lacks any clear strengths.
“The answer is simple,” he explained. “The reality is that no track can help us because they’ll all be difficult, so being in Brazil doesn’t change anything.”
“I don’t think the situation will be any different than in Buriram. Yamaha tested in Jerez, but nothing special was tested. Therefore, I don’t think the situation has improved.
“The sensations are the same for everyone; there’s no single point where we’re strong. We’re trying to understand how the bike works better and maybe make some changes, but right now everything feels exactly as it did before.”
Fabio Quartararo says he’s content away from the track despite Yamaha struggles
When asked if there was anything to enjoy about heading to a new location, Quartararo said: “I’m happy outside of racing. I really like Brazil, it’s always a pleasure to be here, knowing that we’ll have to suffer, and that’s the reality.”
Brazil last appeared on the MotoGP calendar in 2004, with Goiania’s only previous outing dating back to 1989.
With persistent talk that Quartararo is set for a move to Honda in 2027, one pundit claimed this week that his main focus is simply making it through the season unscathed. His recent comments do little to counter that narrative.
After the opening round in Thailand, Yamaha cancelled rider interviews over concerns about how Quartararo might express his frustration publicly. Based on his comments this week, even the extended break hasn’t lifted any of the gloom around their situation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
