Marco Bezzecchi
Fabio Quartararo’s criticism of Yamaha’s new V4-powered MotoGP prototype has hit a nerve with Jorge Lorenzo, and the three-time premier class title-winner has explained exactly why the Frenchman has no right to be so vocal.
Following an issue-ridden pre-season testing schedule, all four of Yamaha’s factory-supported riders struggled in the 2026 MotoGP season-opener in Thailand as they languished near the very back of the grid.
As usual, Fabio Quartararo was the lead rider for the Japanese constructor in Buriram, but could only muster a P14 at the chequered flag, with factory teammate Alex Rins claiming the final points-paying position in P15.
The struggles of the Pramac duo of Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jack Miller were also evident. The rookie and the veteran finished P17 and P18, respectively, with a red-faced last-place being saved by Gresini’s substitute rider, Michele Pirro.
Paolo Pavesio refused to allow the riders within Yamaha’s stable to speak to the press following the conclusion of round one, indicating a sense of hesitancy to let them further fuel the flames of another disappointing campaign on the horizon for the factory.
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Jorge Lorenzo isn’t happy with Fabio Quartararo’s ‘criticism’ of Yamaha’s new MotoGP bike
During a recent interview with GPOne, Jorge Lorenzo picked out Quartararo’s criticism of Yamaha in particular as something that he doesn’t like to see in headlines.
The Frenchman has been the most vocal critic of the Japanese constructor during their efforts to claw their way back into contention in MotoGP, with the fast-tracking of the new V4-powered M1 understood to be Yamaha’s way of keeping hold of Quartararo.
However, now that Honda look to have snatched Quartararo away from them, it seems to have all been in vain.
“It is impossible to change your philosophy after 20 years and be competitive immediately,” said Lorenzo, who won all three of his MotoGP titles with the Iwata-based outfit.
“They will sacrifice this season and perhaps next season too in order to be stronger in the next 5-10 years.
“What I don’t like is the overly harsh criticism from the riders, especially Fabio. In my opinion, it is not fair that he is paid so many millions.
“Yamaha is here, in MotoGP, to sell motorcycles, to do good advertising; if you speak badly about the motorcycle, you are not doing good advertising for your brand.”
Where does Fabio Quartararo rank among Yamaha’s greatest riders?
Neil Hodgson shares a similar sentiment to Jorge Lorenzo regarding Fabio Quartararo at Yamaha
In a discussion during live coverage of the 2026 season-opener in Thailand, former MotoGP rider turned pundit Neil Hodgson shared his qualms with Quartararo’s Yamaha criticism on TNT Sports.
The Brit advised the 2021 world champion to remain patient, highlighting the fact that he is being paid very well by the Iwata-based MotoGP outfit to give them his all when it comes to development and feedback.
Quartararo is one of the highest-paid riders on the 2026 grid, with his £10m yearly salary understood to be second to Marc Marquez only.
The financial prowess of Yamaha is one of the biggest pulls for riders when considering their next MotoGP outfit, but it is apparently not enough for their flag-bearer to deal with any issues in private.
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