Fabio Quartararo is the one rider who has been in a position to constantly problem Marc Marquez within the battle for pole positions this season. The Frenchman set the quickest qualifying lap at Jerez, Le Mans, Silverstone and Assen, whereas championship chief Marquez has began from pole on seven events. The one different rider to sit down on pole has been Pecco Bagnaia, final trip within the Czech Republic.
That consistency and one-lap pace from the Yamaha rider haven’t translated into race outcomes, nevertheless. His solely podium this season got here when he took second within the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.
After one other disappointment within the Czech Republic – the place he certified on the entrance row (third) however might solely end sixth, 11 seconds behind the winner – Quartararo mirrored on how helpless he felt in opposition to an growing variety of rivals.
At Brno he was crushed by two Ducatis, two Aprilias and one KTM – and it might have been two KTMs if Enea Bastianini hadn’t crashed whereas working in a podium place. Quartararo blames that drawback on the engine. Whereas Yamaha’s present M1 runs a four-cylinder inline engine, its three European rivals use V4 engines.
“I’m unsure, as a result of I’m not an engineer and I’ve by no means examined a V4, however Ducati has one chassis, KTM one other and Aprilia [a third] – all completely different,” he mirrored. “And what I see is that we have now the identical weaknesses in comparison with these bikes. So I perceive that [the problem] is said to the engine.
“[The three manufacturers] have fully completely different chassis from one another, however the issues for us are the identical,” he insisted. “There’s just one factor all of them have in widespread: the engine,” he stated, referring to the V4s.
Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Manufacturing unit Racing
Photograph by: Gold and Goose Pictures / LAT Pictures / by way of Getty Pictures
In September 2024, Motorsport.com revealed that Yamaha had began engaged on a brand new V4 engine to exchange the present one. Growth is progressing, with on-track assessments just lately performed by check riders Augusto Fernandez and Andrea Dovizioso.
Whereas there was initially speak of introducing the brand new engine within the second half of 2025, its debut has now been pushed again to 2026 – however provided that it proves it could actually carry out higher than the present model.
The 2021 world champion is maintaining his coverage of placing strain on the producer, however he is aware of outcomes don’t come in a single day. That’s why he’s additionally asking it to maintain bettering the present M1, as he sees a transparent deficiency.
“Grip. That’s what we’re lacking. The truth is, the exit of the corners isn’t so unhealthy – the preliminary half isn’t unhealthy – however what’s missing is grip beneath braking and nook entry. That’s one thing that actually penalises us.”
Poles usually are not sufficient
The French star renewed with Yamaha in April 2024 for 2 extra seasons, however he’s not keen to maintain trusting the Iwata manufacturing unit until he sees clear indicators of progress. He feels he’s losing the most effective years of his profession. Regardless of the 4 poles this season, Quartararo hasn’t gained a race since Germany 2022 – greater than three years in the past.
Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Manufacturing unit Racing, wins the 2022 German GP
Photograph by: Dorna
At Silverstone in Could, he skilled a merciless second when he was main the race by a cushty margin and his Yamaha suffered a mechanical failure that left him stranded.
Poles are merely not sufficient for the Frenchman. He doesn’t perceive how he might be so sturdy over a single lap, but unable to aim a single overtake in race situations.
“I do not know why that occurs. Once I’m using alone, I discover my rhythm, I can push my using, go nearer to the restrict, however once I’m in a gaggle, I lose quite a bit – the rear finish, the ability, the aerodynamics, general efficiency.”
However he concluded with a message of hope: “We’re working exhausting to appropriate these points.”
Time will inform if that’s sufficient for Yamaha to retain him.
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