News summary
- Yamaha has hit back at Fabio Quartararo after the Frenchman criticized the team for preventing him from taking part in the Pirelli tire test.
- Yamaha executive Paolo Pavesio questioned Quartararo’s attitude toward the development program, while Massimo Meregalli urged him to follow Jack Miller’s example.
- Quartararo’s relationship with Yamaha has deteriorated further ahead of his move to Honda for the 2027 MotoGP season.
The tense relationship between Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha has reached another chapter this week. After the Frenchman publicly criticized the team and revealed that he had not been given permission to test Pirelli tires ahead of the 2027 season, Yamaha responded with direct criticism of the rider and once again closed the door on his participation in the Austrian test.
Quartararo had surprised the paddock by saying that, for “personal reasons,” he did not intend to help Yamaha with the development of its bike. After the Aragon GP, the #20 explained that his frustration was mainly related to the decision not to allow him to take part in the Pirelli tire test.
“To clarify things, it’s that… I don’t know if I should say this, but I’m going to say it anyway: I wanted to do the Austrian test. But unfortunately, Yamaha doesn’t want me to test the Pirelli tires,” Quartararo said.
The relationship between Quartararo and Yamaha had already been deteriorating since discussions over the M1 project for 2026. According to the Frenchman, the preferred option was to continue with the inline-four engine, while the manufacturer decided to switch to a V4.
“The relationship had already become a little complicated, especially because of the discussions we had about which bike to use in 2026. For me, the choice was clear: we had to continue with the inline-four engine. Yamaha ultimately decided to go with the V4. It was difficult to accept,” he explained.
In response, Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha’s managing director, questioned Quartararo’s attitude toward the team’s attempts to introduce new components to the M1.
“Fabio constantly complains that we aren’t developing the bike and, when we ask him to test new parts, he criticizes us for that, saying that he gets confused. There is a lack of objectivity. Of course, we are not at the level we would like to be. But, just like our rivals, we are trying to move forward,” Pavesio said.
For the Austrian test, Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha team manager, confirmed that Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Izan Guevara will be responsible for the work with the 2027 bike. Meregalli also justified the decision by arguing that other manufacturers had adopted a similar strategy, although KTM allowed Pedro Acosta to test the 2027 bike in Brno, while Honda also gave Joan Mir and Luca Marini the opportunity to ride the new prototype.
“All manufacturers made this decision. Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura will not test the Aprilia, Francesco Bagnaia will not test the Ducati, Pedro Acosta will not test the KTM, and we also will not let Jack Miller test our 850cc bike,” the Yamaha manager said.
“Fabio should follow Miller’s example: he always gives everything and makes sure that, even in difficult moments, everyone keeps a good mood,” Meregalli concluded.
Miller’s approach has recently been highlighted by Yamaha after the Australian acknowledged the manufacturer’s progress while admitting that the bike still has a significant speed deficit. The Australian said there was little point in complaining about an issue the team could not immediately solve.
The dispute comes at a crucial moment for Yamaha, which is preparing for the major technical reset that MotoGP will undergo in 2027, including the switch to 850cc engines and new technical regulations. Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has already expressed confidence in Yamaha’s 850cc V4 project, describing the early feedback as encouraging.
The 2027 rider market is also taking shape, with Quartararo already confirmed at Honda and Miller set to leave Pramac Yamaha, while Izan Guevara will partner Razgatlıoğlu at Pramac next season.
For more coverage of Yamaha’s development and the latest MotoGP news, follow the MotoGP section of GRANDE PRÊMIO.
MotoGP returns from September 11 to 13 at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP, the 14th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover the entire weekend schedule, as well as all other categories of the World Motorcycle Championship.
FAQ
1. Why did Fabio Quartararo criticize Yamaha?
Quartararo was frustrated after Yamaha prevented him from taking part in the Pirelli tire test in Austria. The Frenchman said he wanted to contribute but did not want to develop the bike specifically for the riders who will race it in 2027.
2. Why did Yamaha compare Quartararo with Jack Miller?
Massimo Meregalli praised Miller’s attitude and willingness to keep working despite difficult circumstances, saying Quartararo should follow the Australian’s example.
3. Who will test Yamaha’s 2027 MotoGP bike in Austria?
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Izan Guevara will represent Yamaha during the Austrian test with the 850cc prototype. Quartararo will not participate.
