MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Fabio Quartararo has confirmed that his decision regarding the 2027 MotoGP season is “clear”, admitting it has helped him mentally while Yamaha continues to battle performance limitations with its new V4 project.
The 2021 world champion is widely expected to switch to Honda at the start of the 850cc era in 2027, though he refused to elaborate on specifics. Instead, his immediate focus ahead of the Thai season opener remains Yamaha’s limited progress with the V4 since its initial debut last September in Barcelona.
“In September, when we tried the bike in Barcelona, the feeling was not super good. That is normal because the project was brand new, but the feeling now is really similar compared to September,” Quartararo explained.
“So of course we expected to make a much bigger step, but we started much slower than last year with the Inline engine.”
Buriram test data supports that concern. Yamaha’s best 2026 V4 lap time of 1m29.672s was 0.086 seconds slower than its 2025 benchmark with the Inline M1. While manufacturers such as Aprilia and KTM recorded clear year-on-year improvements, Yamaha’s ultimate lap time stagnated.
More significantly, Quartararo estimated that race pace with the V4 is currently seven to eight tenths per lap slower than last year’s package.
“We know exactly what we miss, and you cannot imagine how many settings, how many things we tried during Sepang and here in Buriram, and the feeling was the same,” he said.
“I think it’s more about the engineers finding a new piece, something completely different, because we still don’t have a base on our bike, at least for my riding style.
“Compared to last year's test, the race simulation was seven or eight tenths slower. That’s why I think we need to increase our improvements.”
According to Quartararo, Yamaha’s challenges extend beyond top speed. Turning performance, front-end feedback and electronics integration all require refinement.
“We need to improve not only the top speed, we also need to improve turning, the feeling on the front, and electronics. There are many things.”
At the Buriram test, Quartararo was 17th fastest overall, 1.033 seconds behind Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and 0.029 seconds adrift of the fastest Yamaha V4 lap posted by Pramac rider Jack Miller.
Despite technical frustrations, Quartararo emphasised that clarity about his future has provided psychological stability.
“My decision is clear. It has helped me mentally,” he stated, declining to offer further comment.
With the 850cc regulations approaching in 2027 and Yamaha’s V4 development still searching for a defined performance baseline, the Thai Grand Prix will offer the first competitive reference point of the 2026 campaign. Whether incremental gains can narrow the gap to rival manufacturers remains one of the early season’s key questions.
Baca Juga
Marc Marquez mengaku cedera bahu memaksanya memakai aero Ducati 2024 di awal MotoGP 2026 jelang seri Thailand.
Fabio Quartararo menegaskan keputusan 2027 sudah jelas dan mengaku Yamaha V4 masih tertinggal jelang MotoGP Thailand 2026.
Francesco Bagnaia menargetkan finis tiga besar setiap pekan MotoGP 2026 setelah musim lalu menyebut podium terasa seperti keajaiban.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!