Fabio Quartararo admits he would have welcomed the chance to ride Yamaha’s new 850cc MotoGP prototype at Monday’s Brno test, but says he fully understands why the manufacturer chose other riders for the important development outing.
The former world champion revealed he will instead spend the day at home with his family while Yamaha begins evaluating its 2027 machine and Pirelli tyres ahead of MotoGP’s new regulations.
“I’ll be with my family at home having a BBQ!” Quartararo joked when asked about his plans for Monday.
“Of course, I understand that Yamaha doesn’t want me to test the bike here.”
Yamaha has opted to use riders expected to remain with the manufacturer beyond this season, with WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu and test rider Augusto Fernandez set to handle testing duties at Brno.
Quartararo’s omission comes amid expectations that the Frenchman will leave Yamaha for Honda at the end of the current campaign. With manufacturers eager to protect sensitive information about their future machinery, several teams have chosen riders who are part of their long-term plans to gather feedback on the next-generation bikes.
The Brno test marks the first opportunity for current MotoGP riders to sample the 850cc prototypes that will be introduced in 2027, featuring smaller engines, reduced aerodynamics, the removal of ride-height devices and a switch to Pirelli tyres.
While Quartararo would have relished the opportunity to experience Yamaha’s future package, the Frenchman acknowledged the manufacturer’s decision to prioritise riders who are expected to remain within its project beyond this season.
