Frustration and Defensive Riding: Fabio Quartararo Struggles with Yamaha’s MotoGP Limitations

Fabio Quartararo is limited to a defensive racing strategy on Yamaha’s MotoGP bike, which he describes as "frustrating." He added, "It's the only method we have for overtaking, and it was entirely incorrect."

Fabio Quartararo expresses that he constantly needs to adopt a "defensive" riding style on the Yamaha MotoGP bike, which leaves him feeling "frustrated." This sentiment comes in the wake of missing out on a promising finish in the Indonesian Grand Prix sprint.

The 2021 world champion has shown strong performance lately while riding the upgraded M1. Quartararo has successfully advanced to Q2 straight from Friday in the last three grand prix events.

In Mandalika, Quartararo secured the sixth spot on his M1, and Ducati's Davide Tardozzi suggested he could be a contender for the podium in the 13-lap sprint race.

However, Quartararo failed to score any points, finishing in 12th place. A collision with Franco Morbidelli at Turn 16, while attempting to overtake him for sixth position, caused him to lose several spots.

According to the Frenchman, taking such extreme actions is the only method he has to pass competitors while riding the Yamaha, since it doesn't have any advantages over the Ducati.

"It’s the only method for us to surpass, and it was entirely incorrect," he stated.

"I gave it everything I had, but we generally have less traction, slower acceleration, more wheelies, and more issues with braking the bike."

"We lack any significant advantages over them, so our strategy during the race is to defend our position to avoid being overtaken, although we are unable to overtake them either."

"We've been struggling with Yamaha for many years during the competition."

“I'm beginning to find my rhythm, but I still couldn't manage a single overtaking maneuver. This is the area where we need to improve quickly.”

Quartararo expressed his frustration, saying, "It's aggravating because the problem has always been the same—it's impossible to overtake."

"The situation in 2022 was quite similar, but during that year, competing brands did not perform as strongly."

"In the past, I could be more aggressive and move to the front. But now, if you're trailing, you're essentially trapped and unable to make any moves."

Quartararo secured podium finishes in the last two Indonesian Grand Prix races, but he doesn't anticipate maintaining that streak this Sunday in 2024.

He stated that he had no confidence in making it to the podium, as their speed was insufficient to compete for it.

"We might be able to have a strong race and aim to finish in the top six in the longer event. However, much will hinge on the initial laps and what we can accomplish during them."

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