Marco Bezzecchi
Yamaha shocked the MotoGP paddock at pre-season testing by appearing to show some rapid pace in Sepang before crashing back down to earth in time for the first race of 2025.
After finishing inside the top three during all three days in Malaysia, it was believed that Fabio Quartararo had a real platform to work with this season.
Sadly, Yamaha have struggled ever since and they’re aware that as part of the concession system, they must take advantage of the rules to make gains.
They have 19 races and another year in 2026 before a MotoGP regulation change. 2027 remains their greatest hope of returning to the front. The current deficit is too big to claw back within 28 months.
Quartararo lamented ‘many’ Yamaha problems at the third race of the season, with the Grand Prix of the Americas offering an opportunity for a rare good result which he failed to capitalise on.
After a solid amount of running, Quartararo has multiple areas of ‘concern’ regarding Yamaha and worries about how much work they have ahead of them.
Fabio Quartararo says Yamaha ‘can’t afford’ not to try new parts in private MotoGP tests
Most frustratingly for the factory team, it’s their new satellite Pramac outfit who have performed best on their bikes in 2025.
Jack Miller’s fifth place at COTA was a reminder that when everything comes together, the Japanese bike can be quick.
If they want to be at that end of the field more consistently, they need to ensure that they are bringing the right updates and pushing their project in a positive direction.
Quartararo has now warned the team that during private tests scheduled for between now and the summer break, they must try new things and push developments to the limit.
“The tests only make sense if you try decisive components. We can’t afford to run empty,” he told Mowmag.
What is Fabio Quartararo’s worst start to a MotoGP season?
For the first time ever in MotoGP, Quartararo has failed to finish inside the top eight during any of the first three races.
It marks his worst start to a campaign and is a worrying reminder of just how much work his team has left to do.
Even Alex Rins looked faster in Argentina over a race distance. The Yamaha lacks consistency in longer runs and it’s a problem.
Often fast during qualifying and near the front, things soon flip when attention turns to Sunday’s feature event.
Their French rider has demonstrated a lot of patience over the last few seasons and will be hoping that a reward is around the corner for his loyalty and calm demeanour.
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