“We Know Our Strengths and Weaknesses” – Quartararo Hints at Yamaha’s Next Move

Fabio Quartararo returns from the summer break with a refreshed mindset and a clear mission: to help Yamaha climb back toward the front of the MotoGP World Championship. The Frenchman, who last stood on the podium at Jerez earlier in the season, admits that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go if Yamaha is to challenge consistently at the sharp end. His latest comments offer both realism and optimism, as he points to Yamaha’s understanding of their current package and the determination to build on their strengths while addressing glaring weaknesses.

A Mixed Start to 2025 for Quartararo and Yamaha

The first half of the 2025 MotoGP season has been anything but straightforward for Quartararo. The French rider struggled with inconsistency through the early races, finding it difficult to extract maximum performance from the Yamaha M1. After scoring a runner-up finish in Jerez, expectations grew that Yamaha might be turning a corner. However, a string of difficult races between the French Grand Prix and the Dutch TT highlighted just how fragile progress has been.

Despite these challenges, Quartararo showed signs of revival in the run-up to the summer break. A fourth-place finish in Germany followed by sixth in the Czech Republic indicated that Yamaha had begun to address some of their most pressing issues. Still, the lack of a podium since Jerez leaves the French star hungrier than ever. With the second half of the season packed with 10 more demanding Grands Prix, the pressure is on to deliver consistent top results.

A Summer of Recharge and Reflection

For Quartararo, the three-week summer break was more than just rest; it was a chance to reset mentally. “I really enjoyed the summer break, relaxing with my friends and family, and, of course, I still did my usual training,” he explained. “The last three weeks were a good opportunity to recharge because we know the second half of the season is very busy.”

Quartararo has always been a rider who thrives on confidence and rhythm. By taking the time to switch off from the intense demands of MotoGP while staying physically sharp, he hopes to approach the upcoming races with renewed energy and focus. Yamaha, too, will rely on his feedback and resilience to steer their technical development in the right direction.

Yamaha’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Perhaps the most telling part of Quartararo’s recent remarks was his frank assessment of Yamaha’s current situation. “We know our strengths and weaknesses, and we will continue to work really hard in the next 10 GPs on finding improvements,” he said.

On the positive side, Yamaha’s M1 continues to be praised for its stability in corners and its rider-friendly handling, a characteristic that has long been associated with the brand. Quartararo has often highlighted that when the bike is balanced correctly, it provides a confidence-inspiring platform that allows him to push hard.

The weaknesses, however, are still glaring. Yamaha continues to struggle with acceleration out of slow corners and straight-line speed – two critical aspects in modern MotoGP racing where Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM have set the standard. This lack of power and traction has forced Quartararo to override the bike at times, taking bigger risks just to remain competitive with rivals who have superior machinery.

Ninth in the Standings but Eyeing More

After 12 Grands Prix, Quartararo sits ninth in the championship standings. His best Grand Prix result so far remains the second place at Jerez, while his best Sprint Race result has been third. While these numbers may not reflect the form of a former world champion, they also demonstrate the fight and determination he continues to show despite Yamaha’s limitations.

For a rider of Quartararo’s caliber, finishing races just outside the podium places is not enough. He is keenly aware that consistency alone will not satisfy Yamaha’s ambitions, nor his own. That is why the Frenchman’s insistence on “finding improvements” is more than just a slogan – it is a demand that Yamaha must respond to if they are to avoid another season of underachievement.

The Road Ahead: Ten More Chances

The second half of the season offers 10 more opportunities for Quartararo and Yamaha to close the gap to their rivals. Circuits like Misano, Motegi, and Valencia may provide opportunities where Yamaha’s cornering strengths can shine, but tracks with long straights such as Sepang and Austin will expose their ongoing weaknesses.

Quartararo remains pragmatic but optimistic. “I feel ready to give it my 100%, as always. Let’s see what we can do this weekend,” he said ahead of the next race. His words reflect the reality of MotoGP – where effort alone is not enough, but commitment combined with technical improvements can shift the balance.

The Bigger Picture for Yamaha

Beyond Quartararo’s own performances, Yamaha’s future direction is under the microscope. The Japanese manufacturer has already faced pressure to accelerate development, particularly as rivals continue to introduce upgrades at a rapid pace. Quartararo’s insistence on acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses suggests that he is closely involved in guiding Yamaha’s priorities, something crucial for long-term competitiveness.

Moreover, Yamaha’s satellite project with Pramac Racing in 2026 looms in the background, adding further pressure on the factory team to deliver results and improvements now. Quartararo’s leadership during this transition period could play a vital role in shaping the future of Yamaha’s MotoGP project.

Conclusion: A Season of Hard Work Ahead

Fabio Quartararo’s message is clear: Yamaha knows where it stands, and the road to improvement will not be easy, but the determination is there. The Frenchman’s ability to remain motivated and focused, despite the frustrations of the first half of the season, speaks volumes about his character as a competitor.

As MotoGP heads into its crucial second half, Quartararo and Yamaha will need more than determination – they will need tangible progress in performance if they are to return to the podium regularly. Whether Yamaha can rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but with Quartararo’s relentless drive and honesty about the team’s situation, there is still reason for fans to believe that brighter results could be on the horizon.

For now, Quartararo remains committed: “We know our strengths and weaknesses… and we will continue to work really hard.”