Yamaha’s Road to Recovery: Tech Boss Bartolini Outlines Long-Term Plan for MotoGP Competitiveness by 2026

Yamaha's technical director shares strategy for progress – highlighting the role of fresh talent

"Expect this task to take time, as there's no fundamental flaw to address"

Newly appointed Yamaha technical director Max Bartolini has cautioned that it might not be until 2026 that the M1 achieves competitiveness in MotoGP once more.

Bartolini, who formerly held the position of senior Vehicle Performance Engineer at Ducati, anticipates that Yamaha will bridge the performance divide by 2025, leveraging extra technical insights and input gained through their recent collaboration with Pramac.

However, there remains a significant amount of effort required.

Last season, Yamaha's ex-world champion Fabio Quartararo, who finished tenth, begins this weekend's race at Misano ranked 14th. His new teammate, Alex Rins, is currently in 20th place due to an injury he sustained midway through the season.

"Bartolini shared with Dorna's Jack Appleyard that his initial six months with Yamaha were quite unique and intriguing," he expressed. "It's evident there's considerable work ahead of us, yet I was taken aback by the team's eagerness to bridge the divide."

The Italian mentioned that the absence of a clear 'issue' or 'error' in the M1 indicates that resolving it will take more time.

"Truthfully, after half a year, my observations align closely with the impressions I had even before I was directly involved," he stated further.

"I believe it's going to take a significant amount of time since it's not a fundamental issue we're facing, but rather a need to enhance the entire package."

"Typically, this process requires more time than identifying an issue or an error."

"He went on, "Being in proximity is one aspect, but becoming a contender is an entirely different matter!"

"Hopefully, we will become more unified in the upcoming season and by 2026, we aim to return to a competitive state."

Yamaha's presence on the grid has dwindled to just two motorcycles after RNF transitioned to Aprilia in 2023.

Next season will see a significant shift as Pramac, the current team champions, will switch from Desmosedicis to M1s.

Bartolini expressed the significance of the upcoming satellite project, stating, "This project holds great importance for me. It simplifies the process for riders to make comparisons, and for us technicians, it offers clearer guidance. I believe it will be a substantial aid."

Pramac has not formally confirmed its rider lineup for the upcoming Yamaha phase, but it appears highly likely that Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller will be joining the team.

Together, the duo has competed under the banners of Honda, Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia in MotoGP, covering all present teams except for Yamaha. Each has secured victories in several top-tier races as well.

When queried about the significance for Pramac to feature "two seasoned riders possessing extensive expertise from other MotoGP teams," Bartolini refrained from specifically mentioning Oliveira or Miller.

"Bartolini responded, "It's going to be crucial for me, particularly in the initial stages. Receiving feedback and possibly even comparisons will be immensely helpful in identifying areas for enhancement."

"Following my assessment, they'll emerge as two astute riders who must adapt, given that, undoubtedly, we won't be able to produce a motorcycle exactly as they initially anticipated. However, having two seasoned riders will indeed be beneficial."

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