Yamaha endured a challenging period in MotoGP, marked by a lackluster performance in the 2023 season and a disappointing start to the 2024 campaign. Despite implementing concessions and recruiting fresh engineering talent, the Japanese manufacturer struggled to improve its M1 bike’s competitiveness.
In the Qatar Grand Prix, 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo endured a difficult sprint race, finishing in a distant 11th place, while teammate Alex Rins struggled to 16th on his Yamaha debut. Quartararo expressed dissatisfaction with Yamaha’s current standing, highlighting the widening gap between their bike and competitors.
Acknowledging Yamaha’s incremental progress, Quartararo emphasized the significant strides made by rival manufacturers, exacerbating Yamaha’s challenges. He likened competing against European manufacturers to a championship of the others, underscoring the magnitude of Yamaha’s performance deficit.
Despite managing tire wear concerns during the race through adjustments in engine mapping, Quartararo noted the M1’s lack of initial speed and compromised cornering abilities. Yamaha faces an uphill battle in addressing these shortcomings to remain competitive in the fiercely contested MotoGP championship.