Quartararo Contemplated Team Switch Amid Championship Lead, Commits to Yamaha’s Long-Term Vision

Fabio Quartararo "considered switching teams" while at the forefront of the championship

"Departing from a team while atop the championship standings is not feasible"

Fabio Quartararo disclosed he thought about parting ways with Yamaha even as he led the MotoGP standings.

As the defending champion, Quartararo identified issues with Yamaha at the outset of his title defense campaign.

The performance of his motorcycle waned during the latter part of his title defense, paving the way for Pecco Bagnaia to clinch the 2022 championship and highlighting Yamaha's ongoing struggles.

Quartararo revealed to Motosprint that he first became aware of significant problems at Yamaha towards the end of 2021, around the same time he clinched the championship.

"Truthfully, I had considered switching teams as early as 2022, yet departing from a team while being at the forefront of the championship was out of the question."

"I believed we would progress, but unfortunately, we haven't. However, now we're moving in the correct direction."

Quartararo has reportedly become the highest-earning MotoGP rider following his decision to sign a lucrative deal with Yamaha.

Elevating Yamaha to the leading position is a project that will take considerable time.

"He mentioned that the previous year had been particularly challenging, notably between March and July."

"Transitioning from consistently battling for the victory to struggling for a position in the top ten was a tough mental adjustment."

Bit by bit, I shifted my mindset towards a more hopeful outlook: considering that Yamaha and I had plummeted from leading to a distant tenth position, I recognized the potential to reverse our fortunes, despite being aware of the greater challenge this entailed.

"Currently, we are expanding, yet we find ourselves short of bikes on the circuit. Pramac is set to join us in 2025, indicating that we are indeed making the necessary efforts."

"Nonetheless, choosing correct actions doesn't guarantee instant progress; the process might extend over time."

"In these domains, there are no guarantees."

"Reflecting on the Sepang trials and our present circumstances, it's evident that we now understand the direction we need to pursue."

"Altering the mindset of Japanese engineers is by no means an easy task, yet as an illustration, during Misano 1 on Friday, we engaged in a meeting that lasted for an hour, which serves as a significant indicator."

Initially, he began to shift his mindset and pursue the bicycle. This concept of developing alongside the bike frame represents a novel and important approach for us.

"The primary objective is to consistently make it into Q2, which can significantly transform your experience over a weekend."

Yamaha's takeover of the Pramac satellite team, previously under Ducati's control, will expand their footprint on the 2025 racing grid, enhancing their capacity for data collection twofold.

Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira are set to form Pramac's seasoned pairing, each contributing knowledge from previous teams.

Yamaha intends to create a V4 engine, marking the most evident indication of their adaptation.

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