The “V4 Revolution” at Yamaha has hit a high-speed speedbump. Fabio Quartararo cut a frustrated figure at the conclusion of the Buriram Test, delivering a sobering reality check to fans: Yamaha is currently “months” away from being ready to compete at the sharp end of the grid.
Despite breaking into the 1m29s on the final day, the 2021 World Champion was brutally honest about the mountain Iwata still has to climb. Between a lack of turning, overheating tires, and a “wild” new engine, Quartararo admits the first half of 2026 might just be one giant science experiment.
Quartararo didn’t mince words when describing the new package. While the switch to a V4 was meant to close the gap to Ducati, the transition has been anything but smooth.
“The bike’s turning and grip are currently the weakest points. I’m not able to turn the bike well or make lap times smooth.”
Fabio noted that the current race simulations are roughly 0.7s to 0.8s slower than last year’s benchmarks.
During sprint simulations, Quartararo clocked laps between 30.4 and 31.0, but noted he is “struggling a lot with the tire” overheating.
“I think the engine is a big step, but it’s not just that. We see we are still very far from the front rows. I don’t think in half a year we will find that pace.”
In a touching moment that caught the eye of the paddock, Quartararo was seen offering advice to Pramac Yamaha rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu. The WorldSBK legend has had a brutal introduction to MotoGP, finishing the test in P21, over 2.1s off the record-breaking pace of Marco Bezzecchi.
“I saw him really desperate,” Fabio admitted. “He joined Yamaha during their toughest time… I just told him it’s normal to be in this position. I wish I had received that kind of support when I was struggling my first year.”
After a weekend that saw “El Diablo” flash a middle finger to his bike on Saturday, he has seemingly entered a “management mode” to protect his mental health.
“Yesterday, I felt a high level of frustration. But I don’t want to burn myself mentally. Pushing 100% all the time when you are this far away is very difficult,” he shared. With the season opener at this very track just days away, Quartararo is bracing for a season of grit rather than glory.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
