Fabio Quartararo, between technological revolution and an uncertain future: "When you have offers, everything is easier"

For two of the three days scheduled for the event, Quarterly He took part in the Shakedown with his future Yamaha equipped with a V4 engine, a major departure from the inline architecture that had long defined the Japanese manufacturer's identity. While he remained discreet about pure performance figures, the Frenchman emphasized the complexity of the project. "We need a lot of time to better understand motorcycles, especially for the engineers.", he explains. "Most of them, especially the Japanese engineers, had never worked on a V4 engine before our first outing."

Beyond the technical data, the Nice native also needs to evolve in his riding style. The new machine demands a different approach, far removed from the automatic reflexes developed during previous seasons. "I have to adapt to a different driving style.", he confides. "I still need to figure out how to get the most out of this motorcycle."

Last year, Yamaha relied in particular on its cornering qualities, a strong point which is no longer, for the moment, a certainty. "This year, the bike isn't quite there yet. But we know there's room for improvement." A lucid speech, which illustrates the reconstruction phase the Japanese manufacturer is going through after several complicated seasons.

But the other burning issue at the moment concerns Quartararo's contractual future. Long linked to Yamaha, the Frenchman has this time openly stated that he is in discussions with several other teams. "The only thing I can confirm today is that we are talking with teams. Honda is one of them. But today, we haven't signed anything." 

When asked about Yamaha, the answer was just as clear: discussions are taking place, but no decision has yet been made. "I will take the necessary time to make a decision for 2027. But nothing is done or signed yet.", he says.

A highly sought-after pilot

Far from being bothered by these rumors, the 26-year-old driver claims to be handling the situation calmly, surrounded by a strong support network. For him, having several options is almost a comfort. "The real stress is not having a team that wants you.", he recounts, referring to his beginnings. "When you have offers, everything is easier."

Choosing your future employer will not be easy, however. In 2027, the MotoGP will enter a new technical era: smaller engines, a ban on ride-height and holeshot devices, and a new tire supplier. All these elements make any launch risky. "It's a gamble.""That sums it up, Quartararo, lucidly. Ducati has the best bike right now, but they could have the worst next year; teams like Honda and Yamaha could make a big step forward," Quartararo sums up. "Everyone will try to sell you the project as best they can."He acknowledges that the final decision will be based as much on intuition as on technical data.

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The final point raised was financial speculation. Faced with the sums being discussed in the paddock, Quartararo cut them short. For him, the priority remains performance. "I'm not looking for [money]. I want to win."he insists, recalling the emotion felt during his successes but also his recent disappointments. "You can see the emotion I felt at Silverstone" (retired due to a mechanical problem while he was leading, Ed.). It's not about the money, it's about the joy of being at the top of the podium.

While the rider market is already starting to stir behind the scenes, the priority remains on the track for now. The winter testing period is just beginning, with the next collective sessions taking place in Sepang from February 3rd – a key event to more accurately assess the true potential of the different machines and the development of the 2026 Yamaha.