Fabio Quartararo, nerves on edge: gesticulation on the track and harsh words

The season 2026 of Fabio Quartararo does not seem to have gotten off on the right foot. The 2021 world champion, who barring second thoughts is living his last season with Yamaha, was back on track today in Buriram for official testing ahead of the Thailand GP, which will open the World Championship on the weekend between Feb. 27 and March 1. After missing the last two days of testing in Malaysia due to injury, Quartararo has more unfinished business with the new bike.

On the first day of testing, ‘El Diablo’ struggled with the new M1, ending the session with the 18th fastest time more than one second and two tenths off the top spot. All the Yamahas finished in the last six positions, a result that highlighted the difficulties of the House of the Three Tuning Forks. Quartararo, visibly frustrated, even raised his middle finger during the session toward his bike, a gesture that certainly did not go unnoticed in the eyes of fans and insiders.

Claudia Ferrarini

Interviewed by the official MotoGp channel, Quartararo nevertheless tried to regain his composure, although his analysis is merciless: “What is most frustrating about this bike? Everything” he admitted in a very direct way. His statement highlights the distance between expectations and the reality of a bike that fails to meet his needs. In addition, the rider explained that the team is trying to solve problems, especially with the engine, but results are slow to come.

“We have never stopped and we are continuing to look for something for tomorrow, but now I am still struggling to find myself” Quartararo continued, indicating how the search for the right feeling and set-up of the bike continues to be a big challenge. His future with Yamaha, as well as a possible move to Honda, is uncertain, with a long and difficult season ahead of him.