Fabio Quartararo is realistic about Yamaha’s 2026 MotoGP chances

Photo: Yamaha racing

23. 02. 2026 17:28 CET
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3 min

Fabio Quartararo is realistic about Yamaha’s 2026 MotoGP chances

Eliška Ryšánková

Eliška Ryšánková

News.GP journalist who’s all about the thrilling worlds of MotoGP and Formula 1.

MotoGP thoughts Yamaha Racing Fabio Quartararo Motogp 2026 Season Summaries

Fabio Quartararo has warned that Yamaha may need many months to become competitive again in MotoGP. The French rider says the team is still in the middle of a difficult rebuilding process and quick results should not be expected.

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Fabio Quartararo has said that it could take many months, or even longer, for Yamaha to become competitive again in MotoGP. The French rider has been honest about the team’s situation and admits that the rebuild is a big job.

Yamaha has been working hard to improve its bike after several difficult seasons. In the past, the team was known for smooth cornering and strong balance, but recently it has struggled against European manufacturers such as Ducati, which have made big steps forward with engine power and aerodynamics. Yamaha decided that small changes were not enough, so it began a deeper rebuild of the project.

During recent testing at Buriram, the signs were not very positive. Quartararo said the bike still lacks grip and is not consistent over a long run. He explained that the problems are not only about top speed on the straights, but also about how the bike behaves in the corners and how it manages the tyres. These issues make it difficult to fight near the front.

Quartararo made it clear that improvements will not happen overnight. He believes the team needs patience because large technical changes take time to understand and perfect. Engineers must collect data, test new parts and slowly build a better package. This process can take months in modern MotoGP, where the level is extremely high and the gaps between riders are very small.

The 2021 world champion wants to return to winning races, but he knows the reality of the current situation. For now, the focus is on steady progress rather than immediate podium finishes. He remains committed to helping Yamaha improve, even if it means going through a difficult period first.

In MotoGP, success often comes in cycles. Teams can move from the front to the middle of the grid very quickly if development slows down. Yamaha hopes that this rebuilding phase will lead to stronger results in the future. However, as Quartararo has warned, it is likely to be a long road before the team is back fighting regularly for victories.

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Eliška Ryšánková

Eliška is a journalism student at Palacký University. She specializes in sports journalism, focusing on the worlds of MotoGP and Formula 1. Her goal is to make motorsport content relatable, engaging, and easy to follow.

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