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The 2025 Austria MotoGP proved to be a nightmare for Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo, who openly criticized the event as “useless” after enduring one of the most frustrating weekends of his career. The French star, who continues to push for competitiveness in a challenging season, struggled heavily at the Red Bull Ring, leaving him with harsh words for both the race itself and Yamaha’s ongoing struggles in MotoGP.

A Frustrating Weekend for Quartararo

The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, has long been a tricky circuit for Yamaha machinery due to its long straights, heavy braking zones, and high-speed nature that favors bikes with superior acceleration and top-end speed. Unfortunately for Quartararo, the Austrian Grand Prix once again exposed Yamaha’s weaknesses.

From the start of the weekend, Quartararo complained about the lack of competitiveness. Struggling in practice sessions and qualifying outside of the top positions, his hopes for a solid points finish were slim. The race itself only reinforced his frustrations, as he was forced to battle at the back of the midfield, unable to mount any meaningful charge forward.

Speaking after the race, Quartararo did not hide his disappointment. “Honestly, this race felt useless. We had no pace, no chance, nothing to fight with. It’s just not acceptable at this level,” he said, summing up his feelings about the Austrian MotoGP.

Yamaha’s Ongoing Struggles in 2025

For several seasons now, Yamaha has faced increasing challenges in MotoGP. While Quartararo won the 2021 MotoGP World Championship, Yamaha has since fallen behind rivals Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM in terms of development. The Yamaha YZR-M1, once celebrated for its smooth handling and corner speed, has been unable to compete with the power and aerodynamics of rival machines.

The Austrian Grand Prix highlighted these issues more than ever. The Red Bull Ring is a circuit that punishes bikes lacking in horsepower, and Yamaha’s deficit was painfully clear. Quartararo’s frustrations boiled over, as he noted that Yamaha seemed to be stuck with the same problems race after race.

“We talk about improving, but every time we come here, it’s the same story. It feels like we are wasting time, and honestly, it’s useless to even talk about fighting at tracks like this. We are not competitive,” Quartararo said.

Why Austria Is a Yamaha Nightmare

The Red Bull Ring has developed a reputation as Yamaha’s most difficult track on the calendar. Its layout includes long straights that reward raw engine power, along with heavy braking zones that require stability and strong acceleration on exit. Yamaha’s strength traditionally lies in fast, flowing corners, but with only a handful of those in Austria, the team finds itself at a severe disadvantage.

Quartararo has repeatedly spoken about how certain tracks expose Yamaha’s flaws. Austria, in particular, has been a recurring problem. While Ducati and KTM riders surged ahead, with their bikes’ power and aerodynamics suiting the circuit perfectly, Quartararo and his Yamaha teammate were left fighting to stay within the points.

A Disheartened Fabio Quartararo

As a former world champion and one of MotoGP’s most talented riders, Quartararo is no stranger to battling adversity. However, his post-race comments in Austria reflected deeper frustration, not only about the race but also about Yamaha’s long-term prospects.

“We cannot accept being happy with 10th place or 12th place. That’s not what I’m here for. I’m here to win, and if we cannot even fight, then what’s the point? For me, this race was useless because it told us nothing we didn’t already know,” Quartararo explained.

His words highlight the tension between Yamaha’s ambitions and their current reality. Quartararo, who signed a new contract extension to stay with Yamaha in 2025, did so with hopes of seeing genuine progress. Instead, weekends like Austria serve as reminders of how far Yamaha still has to go.

The Bigger Picture for Yamaha in MotoGP

The Austrian Grand Prix is just one race in a long season, but it is symbolic of Yamaha’s broader struggles. Ducati currently dominates MotoGP with a combination of engine power, aerodynamics, and a deep roster of talented riders. Aprilia has also made major strides, while KTM continues to thrive, especially at its home track in Austria.

In contrast, Yamaha appears to be playing catch-up, struggling to find answers despite ongoing development. The introduction of new engineers and technical staff was meant to close the gap, but the Austrian GP result suggests that progress remains slow.

Quartararo’s Future Concerns

With frustration mounting, many in the MotoGP paddock are speculating about Quartararo’s long-term future. While he has committed to Yamaha for now, his patience is being tested. The Frenchman knows his talent deserves a bike capable of fighting for victories and championships.

“I give everything I can, but if the bike doesn’t allow us to fight, there is nothing we can do. I hope Yamaha understands that we need big changes, not small steps. Otherwise, we will be here next year saying the same things,” Quartararo warned after Austria.

Such strong words underline his growing impatience and raise questions about how long he will remain loyal if Yamaha cannot deliver improvements.

Fan and Expert Reactions

The MotoGP community reacted strongly to Quartararo’s comments, with many fans agreeing that Austria has become a pointless exercise for Yamaha. Analysts noted that while his words may sound harsh, they reflect the reality of a manufacturer struggling to keep up in modern MotoGP.

Former riders and commentators suggested that Quartararo’s blunt honesty might serve as a wake-up call for Yamaha management. “Fabio is not a rider who complains for the sake of complaining,” one pundit noted. “When he says a race is useless, he’s pointing out that Yamaha has run out of excuses.”

Looking Ahead in the 2025 Season

While Austria was a disaster, Quartararo is determined to keep fighting. The upcoming rounds feature circuits that better suit Yamaha’s strengths, with more flowing layouts and fewer long straights. These tracks may give Quartararo a chance to return to the front and rebuild confidence.

Still, the Austrian Grand Prix leaves a lasting scar on Yamaha’s 2025 campaign. For Quartararo, the message is clear: small improvements are not enough, and without significant changes, Yamaha risks wasting another season of his prime years.

Conclusion

The Austria MotoGP 2025 will be remembered by Fabio Quartararo not for the racing action but for its sheer frustration. His candid assessment, labeling the race as “useless,” underscores the challenges facing both him and Yamaha. As Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia continue to push MotoGP into a new era of speed and technology, Yamaha risks being left behind unless major breakthroughs arrive soon.

For Quartararo, the disaster in Austria is more than just a bad weekend—it is a symbol of Yamaha’s current struggles. Whether the team can respond with the urgency and innovation required will determine not only their season but also their ability to keep their star rider motivated and committed for the future.