In the previous year, Fabio Quartararo, widely regarded as the best MotoGP rider in the 2020-2022 period, was noticeably absent from the fierce competition at the front of the pack. However, this year, the struggles of the Yamaha M1 bike have become the norm, overshadowing Quartararo’s once-strong qualifying performances. Despite his frustrations with the state of Yamaha’s MotoGP machine, Quartararo has chosen to stay with the team.
This decision didn’t come out of nowhere. As the discussions for MotoGP 2025 approached, Quartararo’s tone towards Yamaha seemed to soften, and his alternatives became less viable. While he still voices his concerns about the current M1’s performance, he has shifted his focus to the positive aspects Yamaha has shown him, such as the top speed upgrade and the impact of new team member Max Bartolini.
Although Quartararo’s decision can be seen as a vote of confidence, other options were not as enticing. The works Ducati is highly sought after, and KTM has solidified its rider lineup. Aprilia showed interest but with potential financial trade-offs. Quartararo’s situation is different from Marc Marquez’s, who made a bold move to Gresini to reignite his passion for MotoGP and combat the effects of time. Quartararo, being younger and less financially secure, believes his time to win will come again.
Aprilia, with its impressive RS-GP bike, could offer Quartararo a chance to compete at the front, but it wouldn’t guarantee him a title. Considering the pragmatic factors, staying with Yamaha makes sense. It offers more financial benefits, a team with a championship history, a strong title sponsor, and ongoing investments in the MotoGP program. Additionally, Yamaha benefits from the new concession rules that aim to expedite their return to the top. While it may not be the most exciting choice, it is a difficult one to criticize.