P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Yamaha knows it must deliver a more competitive 2026 MotoGP bike to retain Fabio Quartararo ahead of the 2027 regulation shakeup.
Yamaha is aware that it needs to provide a more competitive MotoGP bike in 2026 to retain Fabio Quartararo before the 2027 regulation changes.
The team faced difficulties in 2025, finishing at the bottom of the Constructors’ standings, with Quartararo being the only rider to finish the Grand Prix at Jerez.
Although Quartararo’s last premier-class victory was in 2022, he has expressed growing impatience and stated that he would explore other options if Yamaha does not deliver a competitive machine this season.
The 2027 regulations will lead to significant changes in both equipment and the rider market, with 19 contracts set to expire by the end of 2026.
Yamaha currently has only one rider, Toprak Razgatlioglu, contracted until 2027, who will be joining Pramac and partnering with Jack Miller after winning three WorldSBK titles.
Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha’s managing director, emphasized that Quartararo’s retention depends on the brand providing a competitive package, with discussions ongoing about the future plans and potential signings in the rider market.
