Seeking to retain the services of standout rider Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha has pulled out all the stops. The Iwata-based manufacturer recognized the importance of Quartararo’s presence on the team and initiated a strategic plan to convince him that his future lies with Yamaha. As a result, Quartararo has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Yamaha blue until the conclusion of the 2026 season. It is evident that Yamaha’s commitment to improvement played a pivotal role in Quartararo’s decision to stay. Team manager Lin Jarvis has assured the 25-year-old rider of a completely redesigned motorcycle, which he will have the opportunity to test at the Jerez circuit on Monday. This marks the first official in-season test of 2024. A Yamaha insider revealed that the team will be evaluating a plethora of new components during the Jerez test, including an updated engine, chassis, swingarm, and aerodynamic elements. Some of these components were subjected to prior testing by Yamaha’s test rider in Barcelona, but unfavorable weather conditions hampered the progress. The team also conducted a private test day at Portimao following the Portuguese GP. However, adverse weather, gusty winds, and debris on the track limited Quartararo and teammate Alex Rins to a mere six laps. Notably, Yamaha had only one power unit available during that test. In contrast, both Quartararo and Rins will have access to the full suite of new equipment in Jerez. This demonstrates Yamaha’s commitment to addressing the team’s shortcomings. The Jerez test will involve a series of evaluations. Initially, the new engine will be tested in conjunction with the current prototype to assess its potential benefits. Subsequently, the remaining upgrades will be introduced incrementally, allowing the team to compare performance and identify the most advantageous modifications.
Yamaha Unveils Major Upgrades to Keep Quartararo on Board
