Marco Bezzecchi
Fabio Quartararo took part in his 200th Grand Prix at Valencia this weekend, but it did not go the way he would have hoped as his 2025 season ended with a DNF.
The Frenchman has finished P9 in the standings, having scored more points than the other three Yamaha riders combined. It has been a frustrating season for Quartararo, but he has continued to put in exceptional performances on the YZR-M1.
The 2021 MotoGP champion recorded five pole positions, but he could only convert one of them into a podium finish. The pace of the M1 ultimately held him back, with his P2 at Jerez being the only podium he scored on Sunday in 2025.
With 2026 offering a new beginning for Yamaha as they introduce the V4 engine, it also stands as their final chance to convince their star rider that he should commit his future to the manufacturer.
Fabio Quartararo says he will ‘make a change’ if Yamaha’s V4 is not competitive
Yamaha have been slowly testing the V4 with Augusto Fernandez in wildcard entries, but these performances have not impressed the Frenchman. In fact, Quartararo has been uninspired by Pramac since their alliance with Yamaha began.
The 26-year-old is utterly despondent with the project and has threatened to leave if the V4 is uncompetitive. Speaking in the media pen after the Valencia Grand Prix via TNT Sports 2 (16/11, 2:21 pm), he admitted that he has ‘no time’ to wait.
Talking about the new engine ahead of post-season testing on Tuesday, Quartararo said: “Yeah, let’s see. I mean, right now, the performance, we saw that it is still low. Yamaha is working hard, but let’s see how it’s going to be, the 2026 season.”
Asked if he would give the bike time, he replied: “No, like I said, I have no time. So, it’s going to be important that we have a clear idea after this test. But, yeah, I just want to try to make it work, and if not, it will be time to make a change.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fabio Quartararo from net worth to career stats
Fabio Quartararo will not be impressed by Yamaha’s comments about the V4
Quartararo’s comments after Valencia stand as his biggest warning yet. He is seriously considering leaving Yamaha, and he may have already made his decision.
There is a feeling that Quartararo has already decided to leave Yamaha, a move that would certainly spark chaos in the MotoGP rider market. There will not be a manufacturer on the grid that would not be interested in signing the Frenchman.
He wants to see results from the V4 project straight away, with the Valencia and Sepang tests being vital for Yamaha. The bike clearly needs development over the winter, and perhaps into the 2026 season.
Yamaha plan to spend the opening months of 2026 on ‘development’, hinting that the bike will not be ready to fight for wins. This will only annoy Quartararo more, who seems set on moving away in 2027.
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