Quartararo Disappointed: Yamaha Has 4 Strong Riders, But the Secret Lacks a Foundation to Shine

After enduring a frustrating race weekend at Mugello, Fabio Quartararo is approaching the TT Circuit Assen with a mix of cautious optimism and hard truth. The 2021 MotoGP World Champion has once again voiced his concerns about Yamaha’s shortcomings — calling out the lack of development direction — but also expressed his belief that Assen could offer a rare chance to fight among the frontrunners.

“I Expected More with Four Riders in Yamaha” — Quartararo’s Frustration Grows

In an unusually candid interview, Fabio Quartararo revealed that he had hoped Yamaha’s decision to field four riders this season would help accelerate development and data gathering. Instead, the result has been disappointing.

“I expected more with four riders in Yamaha, but we don’t have a foundation,” Quartararo admitted.

The comment cuts deep into Yamaha’s current dilemma. While adding riders like Álex Rins and Remy Gardner was supposed to enhance technical progress, Quartararo believes the team still lacks a clear development path. The bike, he argues, is fundamentally flawed — especially when it comes to performance in key areas like top speed, grip, and tire management.

Mechanical Suffering at Mugello

The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello exposed all the weaknesses of the Yamaha M1. Quartararo described the Italian track as a perfect storm of the problems Yamaha faces:

“We suffer in four aspects … straights, temperatures, grip, and tire wear. There were all four at Mugello.”

These limitations not only affected Quartararo’s pace but completely removed him from contention. Despite the riders “giving it their all,” there simply wasn’t enough from the machine to allow for a competitive performance.

It’s a painful situation for a rider of Quartararo’s caliber — a former world champion who knows exactly what it takes to win. His statement that “now it’s up to the engineers to find a compromise” signals a shift in tone: from trusting the team to now demanding accountability.

Assen Brings a Glimmer of Hope

Despite the criticism, Fabio Quartararo remains hopeful about this weekend at Assen, where the flowing corners and less power-dependent layout could allow Yamaha to close the gap to the top.

“At Assen, I feel I can enjoy the fight with the riders in the lead,” Quartararo said.

Known as the Cathedral of Speed, the Dutch circuit has long been favorable to Yamaha’s smoother cornering style. Quartararo, who has had success at Assen in the past, is banking on the track’s characteristics to mask the M1’s weaknesses.

“The Dutch circuit lends itself more to Yamaha’s specifications and the grip problems… shouldn’t present themselves as they did on the Italian circuit.”

Physical Condition: Ready to Fight Again

One of the key concerns for Quartararo has been his physical condition, especially after the Silverstone disappointment and Mugello’s demanding conditions. However, he assured fans and media that he’s ready to go:

“I’m fine. I don’t feel pain, even if it’s a strange feeling… I’m ready for the race. I rested, which was the most important thing.”

He even noted that he skipped his usual weight training to give himself more recovery time. These are the decisions of a rider who knows how to prepare for a crucial weekend — and Assen could be exactly that.

“We Could Get Some Good Results” — Quiet Confidence Returns

Despite the season’s inconsistencies, Fabio Quartararo expressed a rare sense of optimism heading into this race weekend. During the Thursday press rounds, he shared that for the first time this season, he feels something different:

“This is the first Thursday where I feel like saying that, if the weather is good, I think we could get some good results.”

It’s a subtle but notable shift from the doom-and-gloom tone of earlier weekends. Assen seems to have rekindled a spark — or at least a hope — that Quartararo might be able to race up front, even if a podium remains a stretch goal.

“I know I’ll be able to enjoy a fight with the riders up in front.”

Yamaha’s Legacy at Assen

Historically, Yamaha has performed well at Assen, with wins from legends like Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, and more recently, strong showings from Quartararo himself. The Japanese manufacturer’s M1 has always favored smoother, flowing layouts — unlike power-heavy tracks like Mugello and Red Bull Ring.

“Yes, that’s what I’m expecting. I think it’s a great opportunity,” Quartararo said when asked about Yamaha’s historical strength at the track.

Whether it results in a podium or a top-five finish, the Frenchman’s goal is clear: return to the mix and show that he’s not yet out of the fight in 2025.

No Real Foundation — A Staggering Admission

Perhaps the most powerful statement from Quartararo during his Assen media debrief was his admission that Yamaha still lacks a foundational base for the M1. It’s a shocking claim this far into the season, particularly for a manufacturer that has previously won world titles.

“Not having a real foundation on the bike didn’t help. We’re still quite far away to be able to say that it was a big help.”

He acknowledged that having multiple riders — himself, Rins, Gardner, and Crutchlow — did provide some interesting comparative data. However, without a solid baseline to build on, the additional input hasn’t resulted in tangible progress.

“We’ve all been working in the same direction. At the moment, we’re trying to improve the bike for everyone, looking for more grip, and everyone has tried a little bit of everything.”

The Riders Are Giving It Their All — But It’s Not Enough

Quartararo made it clear that Yamaha’s struggles are not due to lack of effort from the riders. He praised the determination and work ethic of the entire roster but stressed that the machine isn’t allowing them to compete.

“The riders are giving it their all. Now it’s up to the engineers to find a compromise and look for more grip.”

This is a turning point in the conversation around Yamaha. Quartararo’s words reflect the sentiment that while he and his teammates are still deeply committed, the burden now lies with the engineers and technical staff to deliver real solutions — fast.

Midseason Turning Point or More of the Same?

With the MotoGP season now at its halfway mark, Quartararo’s frustrations mirror those of fans who have watched the once-mighty Yamaha team fall behind Ducati, KTM, and even Aprilia.

The question now is whether Assen becomes a turning point, or simply another false dawn. For Quartararo, the weekend could offer a chance to reassert himself as a competitive force, and remind the paddock why he was champion just four years ago.

But it’s also a test for Yamaha’s commitment. Will they heed their star rider’s warning and deliver meaningful technical upgrades, or will the issues continue to compound?

Conclusion: Words Are Powerful, But Performance Will Speak Louder

Fabio Quartararo’s comments ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix offer both a wake-up call and a flicker of hope. His admission that Yamaha lacks a foundational base is a damning indictment — but his optimism about Assen’s potential shows he’s not giving up.

For Quartararo, Assen is more than just another race — it’s a critical test of Yamaha’s ambitions and his own resilience. The chance to fight near the front again could reinvigorate both rider and team.

And if the engineers can finally deliver on the trust he’s placed in them, Quartararo might just prove that even without a strong foundation, a champion’s heart can still carry the fight.