Yamaha's new project: Quartararo ready to lead the charge in 2026

10:30, 22 Jan

byKada Sarkozi

Fabio Quartararo vows to push from day one on the new Yamaha bike, now equipped with a V4 power unit.

"We know that we started just last year, so of course it will be a long process. But of course, I will push to the limit from day one and try to achieve the best result and to enjoy it."

- Fabio Quartararo

The Japanese brand had a challenging 2025 MotoGP season. While the 2021 world champion had impressive performances, especially in qualifying, he could not that into Grand Prix or Sprint victories.

The Frenchman's best result was a second-place finish at the Spanish GP, which was his only Grand Prix podium.

The new bike, called YZR-M1, is now equipped with a V4 engine.

At Yamaha's launch event in Jakarta, he said after praising his new bike's livery: "I think all of us are riding to the limit. This is going to be a new project.

"We know that we started just last year, so of course it will be a long process. But of course, I will push to the limit from day one and try to achieve the best result and to enjoy it."

The former champion continued: "Yeah, in two weeks we'll have five-day test. So really important to find our direction for the season and hopefully to be faster than last year.

"The project is brand new so there is margin to improve everywhere. So this is what I think Alex [Rins] and I expect, to have some improvements everywhere, on the turning, on the engine power, that is the most important thing.

"And yes, Sepang and then we have Thailand test also to really confirm everything," Quartararo concluded.