Fabio Quartararo announced that Yamaha will continue developing its current motorcycle for the 2026 season but will not contribute to the 2027 project before moving to Honda. The core of this situation is Yamaha’s refusal to allow the Pirelli test in Austria.
The change in aerodynamic structure due to MotoGP switching from Michelin tires to Pirelli tires in 2027 and the reduction of the engine capacity from 1000 cc to 850 cc is of great importance for race riders, as new tires will gain an advantage in every kilometer. Quartararo requested to test the Pirelli tires in the season-specific test at the Red Bull Ring.
Limits of Technical Partnership
Fabio Quartararo expressed dissatisfaction with Yamaha’s refusal to allow him to test the new tires. The French rider stated that after the decision, he did not wish to assist in the development of his 2027 motorcycle.
Quartararo emphasized that he would only evaluate parts that could directly contribute to the 2026 motorcycle. Quartararo stated that he felt like a test rider for the upcoming season’s project when he made this evaluation.
This statement indicates that although the nine-year Yamaha partnership will end sportingly before the end of the season, the technical partnership is narrowing. Yamaha did not provide detailed justification for this decision. However, Quartararo’s participation in Honda next season raises strong technical security concerns.
The Pirelli test may not just mean learning about the new tires. It could provide the opportunity for the rider to gain information about Yamaha’s 850 cc motorcycle’s electronic approach and development direction, potentially paving the way for transferring this experience to Honda. This evaluation has not yet been confirmed by Yamaha.
Importance of the Technical Role
Quartararo stated that he wanted to test a new chassis that he found insufficient in Aragon. The French rider, who suffered an engine failure in Sprint, completed the main race in last place. This statement shows that the technical partnership is practically narrowing.
Quartararo stated that he would only evaluate parts that could directly contribute to the 2026 motorcycle. This situation means that if Quartararo, one of the most experienced and fastest references in Yamaha’s current lineup, is excluded from the 2027 development program, the burden on the factory will fall on riders like Andrea Dovizioso, Augusto Fernandez, and other Yamaha riders.
From a national sporting perspective, this situation could represent a more significant technical role. Our national athlete’s Pirelli history and the experience he gained during 2026 in MotoGP could carry more weight in Yamaha’s new era.
Figures
- Aragon GP: 5.08 km length, lap record 1:46.069.
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