Fabio Quartararo’s Dilemma: Weighing Loyalty and Championship Hopes Amid Yamaha’s Challenges

Fabio Quartararo considered switching teams during his championship lead. However, he realized that departing from a team while at the top of the standings is not feasible.

Fabio Quartararo confessed that he thought about departing from Yamaha even while he was leading the MotoGP standings.

As the current titleholder, Quartararo identified issues within Yamaha during the initial phase of defending his championship.

In the latter part of his title defense, his bike lost its competitive edge, enabling Pecco Bagnaia to clinch the 2022 championship, which highlighted the ongoing decline Yamaha is experiencing.

Quartararo mentioned to Motosprint that he first became aware of significant problems at Yamaha towards the end of 2021, which was around the same time he secured the championship.

"In truth, as far back as 2022, I considered switching teams. However, it's not feasible to depart from a team when you're at the top of the championship standings."

"I believed we would make progress, but that wasn't the case. Currently, we are on the correct path."

Quartararo has dedicated himself to Yamaha by signing a contract that is said to make him the highest-earning rider in MotoGP.

Bringing Yamaha back to the forefront is a project that will take time.

He mentioned that the previous year had been particularly challenging, particularly during the period from March through July.

"Transitioning from consistently competing for victories to struggling to secure a spot in the top ten was a significant mental challenge."

Gradually, I shifted my mindset to become more positive. Considering that Yamaha and I had slipped from the top spot to tenth place, I realized that reversing this trend was also feasible, even though I was aware that it would be a much tougher challenge.

"We are currently expanding, but we don't have enough bikes on the track. Pramac is set to join us in 2025, which shows we're making the right efforts."

"Nevertheless, taking the correct actions doesn't guarantee a swift enhancement; the process might require more time."

"There are no guarantees in these areas."

Reflecting on the Sepang tests in comparison to the present circumstances, it's evident that we now understand the direction we need to follow.

Altering the mindset of Japanese engineers is not a simple task. However, for instance, during the Friday of the first Misano event, we held a meeting that lasted an hour, which is a significant indication of progress.

"Initially, he began to shift his mindset and adapt to the bicycle. Developing in connection with the frame is a fresh and important experience for us."

"The primary aim is to consistently reach Q2, as achieving this can significantly impact your weekend."

Yamaha's purchase of the Pramac satellite team, previously affiliated with Ducati, will increase their representation on the 2025 grid, thereby enhancing their capacity for data collection.

Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira will form the seasoned rider pair for Pramac, with both riders bringing knowledge from their experiences with different manufacturers.

Yamaha intends to create a V4 engine, which is the most evident indication so far that they are making changes.

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