Yamaha acknowledges “risk” of Fabio Quartararo being signed by Honda 

Yamaha are aware of the possibility that Fabio Quartararo might sign with Honda.

Yamaha acknowledges “risk” of Fabio Quartararo being signed by Honda 

Fabio Quartararo (Via @YamahaMotoGP on X)

The past few years have been a tough perilous for Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha. Ever since the Frenchman won the 2021 riders world championship, the team’s performance has dropped significantly since then. Going from a championship winning machine to riding an extremely uncompetitive bike had been a tough gig for the Yamaha rider. It has given him no hopes of winning the MotoGP title in 2023.

As time has gone by, Yamaha’s progress compared to European manufacturers has not been significant. This, in turn, has left them at a disadvantage. Yamaha’s Achilles heel is their engine. Their top speed compared to Ducati is frankly disappointing and is one major issue affecting their race. With Pecco Bagnaia running away with the championship, there have been concerns at Yamaha regarding their rider’s commitment.

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Yamaha managing director Lin Jarvis was asked by GPOne if he feared losing Quartararo to Honda, and replied: “I don’t like the word ‘afraid’. “I am aware, and one of the risks comes from Honda,” he said. “Because Honda will want a top rider, and Fabio is one. To keep him, we will have to have a competitive bike. We really must demonstrate with the facts that we are fully focused,” the Yamaha boss continued. 

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Related: Helmut Marko asks Sergio Perez to ‘forget the World Championship dream’ amidst uncertainty over the Mexican’s Red Bull future

Misano MotoGP test could determine Fabio Quartararo’s future at Yamaha

Fabio Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo 9 (Via Yamaha MotoGP IG)

The Frenchman has possibly given Yamaha an ultimatum ahead of the Misano MotoGP test. The Frenchman will get to try out the Japanese manufacturer’s 2024 machinery. Fabio Quartararo has seemingly trusted Yamaha and given them a second chance before. However, he has stated that he won’t be doing it again. It’s up to the squad to prove that they have the plan set in motion.

On the other hand, Alex Rins will be on the other Yamaha for the 2024 season. Rins left LCR Honda to replace Franco Morbidelli at Yamaha leaving him out of a seat. In the first half of the season, Yamaha has a single podium finish to its name. This was achieved by Fabio Quartararo, who secured a P3 finish at the Americas GP. It will be interesting to see what happens next. 

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