Earlier this month, Quartararo inked a contemporary multi-year cope with Yamaha, preserving him with the Iwata-based producer till not less than the top of the 2026 season.
The brand new contract was agreed regardless of an underwhelming begin to the brand new marketing campaign for Yamaha, leaving the 24-year-old to combat for decrease reaches of the factors within the opening three rounds of the season.
It additionally adopted six-time champion Marquez’s name to depart Honda with a 12 months left on his contract and be a part of forces with the impartial Gresini Ducati team in 2024, a call that has already allowed him to combat for podiums and race wins.
However whereas Quartararo did not observe within the footsteps of Marquez and elected to maintain his religion in Yamaha, he believes the Spaniard’s determination to separate with Honda really labored out in his favour.
He feels Marquez’s transfer to Gresini sprung Yamaha into motion, because it confirmed that high riders in MotoGP are keen to commerce loyalty for extra aggressive equipment.
“It is a second that lots of people have been ready for,” the 2021 champion advised French broadcaster Canal+. “My selection was to stick with Yamaha, not by default, however for the venture.
“I feel that Marquez’s departure from Honda to Ducati awoke lots of people at Yamaha.
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“They’ve recruited a variety of new engineers, and a variety of issues are taking place in Italy relatively than in Japan.
“The velocity with which elements will be modified has completely modified. I feel it was very attention-grabbing for me to proceed with Yamaha.”
Some factions have questioned Quartararo’s selection to remain at Yamaha for 2025-26, amid its continued struggles in MotoGP over the previous few seasons.
Whereas the Japanese producer has been overhauling its MotoGP programme by bringing in new individuals and altering its philosophy, whereas additionally benefiting from the brand new concessions system, the jury is out on whether or not the work it’s placing in will yield the specified outcomes on observe.
Quartararo admitted that he did take into account transferring to a unique staff earlier within the 12 months, however his determination was swayed by the quantity of sources Yamaha is dedicating to return to the sharp finish of the sphere.
“After all, I completely perceive [that people have doubt about his choice] as a result of even I, just a few months in the past, was actually able to take my departure for an additional staff,” he mentioned.
“I am not going to say [which one] however after all, Yamaha is investing large sums to get a greater bike. I feel it is one of many solely manufacturers investing a lot on this venture.
“We’re already going to see some enhancements this 12 months. I feel that this 12 months will likely be very troublesome, already to combat for just a few podiums, however I feel that this 12 months will likely be crucial for the subsequent two.”
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