Fabio Quartararo crashes out in Valencia: "I need the season to end"

For its last race with the Yamaha inline four-cylinder engine before the arrival of the V4, Quarterly was never able to play a role in Valencia. The first four corners were a nightmare. I had a clutch problem and was using the front device until turn 4. I lost I don't know how many positions and our pace just wasn't there. A race to completely forget. ", summary The Devil to the media present, including AUTOhebdo.

The crash at the end of the race simply capped off a Sunday that mirrored his season. I was pushing a bit harder, nothing unusual. I wanted to see my pace with the worn tire, catch up to Bastianini… but I ended up closer to the ground than to him. ", the Frenchman sighs.

The sun played hide-and-seek with the cool temperatures, but for Quartararo, it was difficult to see clearly. Honestly, every time we go on the track, the bike reacts differently. I don't even remember what the conditions were like. " he admits. A further illustration of the chronic inconsistency of his mount.

After alternating between isolated flashes of brilliance, hard-fought top 6 finishes, and stints in the bottom half of the table, the Frenchman welcomes the break with genuine relief: I always give 100%. Sometimes it's worth sixth place, sometimes tenth, sometimes the ground. I really needed the season to end to disconnect, to think about a lot of things. It'll do me good. »

In 2026, Yamaha will switch to a V4 engine. I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing " says the 2021 world champion, as he says goodbye to the four-in-line bike that had been with him until then.

However, his expectations remain limited. My expectation is to have a motorcycle that allows me to ride at least at the same pace as now. Otherwise, it's going to be difficult for Yamaha and for me. »

As for closing the gap to aim for the podium again at the start of 2026, the Nice native is careful to avoid excessive optimism: I don't know. I don't want to say yes or no, but it's going to be very difficult. "The welcome break will be short-lived: the drivers will return to the track on Tuesday in Valencia for the first winter tests and the start of the next phase of construction.

Interview by Luca Bartolomeo, in Valencia.

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