Fabio Quartararo Focuses on Present as Yamaha Develops V4 Engine

Yamaha’s top rider, Fabio Quartararo, stated that he focuses on contemporary advancement. However, work is being done on his V4 engine for future MotoGP races. The Frenchman has noticed a vast improvement in his latest races, with three consecutive Q2s and seven consecutive top-seven results in the last three GP races.

According to Quartararo, Yamaha’s V4 engine project is not something he is concentrating on now. Even though improving the V4 engine for the future is crucial, he is focused on the current package and should do it optimally.

Yamaha’s Recent Gains and Chassis Updates

Quartararo paid attention to Yamaha’s recent improvements, including in chassis. Yamaha has often been under pressure to match the pace of the seemingly invincible duo of Ducati and Aprilia bikes recently. The outfit has introduced multiple chassis updates in quick succession.

The next race in Japan at the Motegi circuit could be crucial for further developing these innovations on behalf of Quartararo. Moreover, the Yamaha test team will go to the Iwata factory to discuss with engineers project M1, which is another significant part of Yamaha’s development in 2024.

Challenges for Fabio Quartararo at the Japanese GP

Before the Japanese GP, Fabio said he had doubts about the Motegi circuit arrangement and how it may highlight the vulnerability of the M1 bike. Motegi proved to be stop/start, which could potentially be problematic for Yamaha’s machine since it has neither the power nor the grip necessary to unleash out of the turns. Nevertheless, he still trusts that this year Yamaha has made positive progress in other spheres to neutralize these problems. He said that

“I mean, we improved the braking; the edge grip a little bit on the braking—not on acceleration. But, I think with that much braking, I hope we can—like I said—be in the top 10 from Friday; it can change your weekend completely. So, I hope and I expect to be there on Friday.”

The importance of a strong start

Quartararo was particularly keen on pacemaker exercises at the start of the race in Motegi. Unlike other racing categories, MotoGP content is very stiff; early session performance can determine overall results.

In recent rounds, Yamaha has made improvements in braking and edge grip that have given Fabio Quartararo the confidence to look forward to a good result in the Japanese GP. He aims to set himself up for a top-10 position in Friday’s sessions to give him the leverage needed to continue with the recent string. More to the fact that in subsequent races, he will strive to reach the limit of the current Yamaha M1 package as Yamaha continues to develop the V4 engine for subsequent seasons.