The relationship between Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha resembles a tightrope walk. On one side, the raw talent of the Frenchman, capable of competing with the best; on the other, a brand in search of renewal, torn between tradition and innovation. Jack Miller, a rider for Pramac, has offered a candid look at this dynamic, revealing both the frustrations and the loyalty that characterize Quartararo’s commitment.
A rocky path
Fabio Quartararo’s first three seasons in MotoGP were marked by standout performances and consistent progress. In 2020, he made headlines with his first successes, before writing a page of history by clinching the title in 2021, the year he left the satellite team to join Yamaha’s official team. Unfortunately, the following years proved to be more chaotic. In 2022, although still a title contender, Quartararo saw his machine gradually become less competitive against the competition.
A renewed commitment despite doubts
In 2024, as Yamaha struggled to get back on track, Quartararo decided to commit until the end of 2026. This decision reflects his confidence in the brand’s efforts to regain its flair. Despite still modest progress, Yamaha remains the only brand to benefit from D-category concessions this season.
“We see Yamaha mobilizing, particularly through the development of an engine with a new architecture,” Miller emphasizes. But is that enough to convince Quartararo to stay? The answer lies in the rider’s mind: “That’s a question for him; only Fabio knows what he thinks,” Jack Miller stated. “If he thinks differently, I can’t blame him.”
The underestimated potential of Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo
Having arrived at Pramac a year ago, Miller has been able to closely observe Quartararo’s potential. He understands his compatriot’s frustration with Yamaha’s current situation: “There’s no doubt, we know Fabio’s potential on a bike. I think if you put him on a Ducati, he would be among the best in the world. Just as I firmly believe I could do the same.”
For Quartararo, the pressure is ever-present: “There’s a ticking clock for all of us, and you’re in the middle of it.” His frankness, sometimes sharp, is a way to push Yamaha forward. Miller respects this loyalty: “I think he has been extremely loyal to Yamaha, and I respect that a lot too.”
Miller facing Yamaha’s challenges
The challenges of the M1 version 2025
Jack Miller
But what does Miller think of the work being done by Yamaha in 2025? The Pramac rider is relatively lenient, highlighting the development of a V4 that required a concentration of resources at the expense of the current M1. “I didn’t expect more,” Miller assures. “Asking them to develop more than what they’ve already done is almost asking for an impossible feat.”
He adds: “They are obviously in the process of developing an entirely new bike. So unfortunately, this season, we have paid the price on the development of the current bike.”
Miller continues by explaining that the issues encountered with the M1 were not resolved and hopes that upcoming developments will meet the riders’ expectations. “Fingers crossed,” he concludes.
An uncertain but promising future
In this delicate context, the future of Quartararo and Yamaha will largely depend on the progress made in the coming months. The Frenchman has already proven he can shine, but his patience will be tested. The performance of the M1 will be crucial to keep Quartararo’s commitment alive and to restore Yamaha’s colors of success.
As the season progresses, all eyes are on this complex alliance between an exceptional rider and an iconic brand. The road still seems fraught with obstacles, but with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, a new momentum could emerge.
