Fabio Quartararo had a normal weekend in the Motegi race on the Yamaha M1. If the Japanese motorcycle could achieve a fast lap time against the French, he would have moved directly to the second column on Sunday. In the qualifying session on Sunday, Quartararo took 12th place. In the sprint race, Quartararo benefited from the crashes of Alex Marquez, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Pedro Acosta. He completed the race in 9th place over twelve laps. On Sunday's Grand Prix, he was the twelfth and best Yamaha rider. However, it could have been better if an old issue had not hindered him.
Yamaha M1's Higher Fuel Consumption
It was stated that the Yamaha engine not only lacked more power in the competition but also had increased fuel consumption. The M1's fuel consumption is not new; Quartararo had experienced this before. One of his latest experiences was in Misano; he had to reduce power during the main race. Quartararo stated, "Our peak performance is lacking, and unfortunately, so is our high consumption."
It was difficult because I had a problem with fuel consumption from lap 7 onwards
Quartararo expressed uncertainty about being able to finish the race. There were green, yellow, and red lights, and his light had been red from the start. Sometimes it was better; the light would go out. But in the end, it was the ranking he expected. Quartararo thought he could finish ahead of Brad and Luca (Marini), but he stated that such issues are part of the race.
Opinions on Tire Choice
Quartararo argued that the Michelin tires should have been considered earlier. He advocated for the use of a harder tire and soft rubber compound on the motorcycle sooner. "To be honest, we were a bit foolish; we didn't consider the tires earlier. This would have been better for us," he said, believing this tire would be better for time trials. Furthermore, he mentioned that the motorcycle did not pump up as much on corner exits on Sunday, whereas this tire did not pump up much at all. He added that this situation was comical because no one used it, and it was the best tire in the end, meaning it was a bit crazy. This showed that they could use it for better performance.
I could have gone faster, but unfortunately, I had to drive carefully on the throttle. I went with 70 percent throttle on turns 2 and 3, and 70 percent on the straight. But I am satisfied with my riding performance – that is the most important thing.
Quartararo touched upon an issue regarding throttle usage during the race. He said he went with 70 percent throttle on turns two and three, and 70 percent on the straight. However, he emphasized his satisfaction with his riding performance.
Race Difficulties
Quartararo spoke about the difficulties of the race. "I did not have this problem – especially at the start, when I was in Binder's shadow," he continued. He stated that he was not far behind and that it was very early in the race. He had to reduce throttle even in the shadow and lost speed because of it. He added that it would have been worse if he hadn't been in the shadow.
I had not expected to have this problem – especially at the start, when I was in Binder's shadow
Quartararo spoke generally about the race difficulties. "We lack peak performance and unfortunately, we also have high consumption."
Statements
Fabio Quartararo said the following during the race:
- It was difficult because I had a problem with fuel consumption from lap 7 onwards
- I could have gone much faster, but unfortunately, I had to drive carefully with the throttle. I went with 70 percent throttle on turns 2 and 3, and 70 percent on the straight. But I am satisfied with my riding performance – that is the most important thing.
- I had not expected to have this problem – especially at the start, when I was in Binder's shadow
- I was not far behind. And it was still very, very early in the race. Even in the shadow, I had to take off throttle, which caused me to lose speed. Without the shadow, it would have been even worse.
- We lack peak performance and unfortunately, we also have high consumption
- I cannot be completely sure if I can finish the race or not. There are green, yellow, and red lights, and mine was red from the start. Sometimes it was better, then the light would go out. But in the end, it was the position I expected. I believe I could have finished ahead of Brad and Luca (Marini), but such problems belong to the race.
Record
- Fabio Quartararo finished 15th with 66 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Yamaha Factory Racing).
- Archive: Quartararo Did Not Use Soft Tires Was Foolish (October 5, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
