P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Yamaha endured a torrid start to the 2026 MotoGP season and stopped its riders from speaking to media
Yamaha is facing a challenging 2026 MotoGP season, with their new V4 project failing to prove competitive compared to their previous inline-four bike that won the 2021 title.
The M1 struggles with speed, rear grip, and agility on the track, with Fabio Quartararo leading the Yamaha pack but finishing 14th in the recent grand prix, far behind the race winner.
Yamaha’s public struggles were evident during the Thai Grand Prix weekend, with Quartararo expressing concerns about the lack of new engines and development direction.
The team’s poor start to the season, with riders finishing in the lower positions, has raised alarms within Yamaha and the MotoGP community.
Yamaha’s decision to cancel rider media duties and have senior management address the media indicates a sense of urgency and concern within the team about their current standings and future prospects.
