Fabio Quartararo is heading into the 2025 MotoGP season opener at the Thai Grand Prix with renewed optimism, believing that Yamaha is in a much better position compared to last year. The 2024 season was a difficult one for the Japanese manufacturer, as it failed to secure a single podium finish, with Quartararo’s best result being a sixth-place finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix. However, despite the struggles, Yamaha showed gradual improvement over the year, particularly under the technical leadership of Max Bartolini.
That upward trajectory appeared to continue during pre-season testing, where Yamaha displayed impressive pace at both Sepang and Buriram. The strong showing even led several figures in the paddock, including Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi, to recognize Yamaha as a potential contender for the 2025 season. Quartararo, speaking ahead of the Thai Grand Prix, expressed confidence in the team’s progress and looked forward to seeing how they perform in a competitive race setting.
The French rider reflected positively on Yamaha’s pre-season efforts, stating that testing had been promising and provided a solid foundation for the new season. However, he emphasized that testing conditions can be quite different from actual race scenarios. In Malaysia, for example, most riders set their best times in the morning, while at Buriram, time attacks were spread across different sessions, making direct comparisons tricky. For Quartararo, the true test will come in the first five races, which he believes will provide a clearer picture of where Yamaha stands in the pecking order.
Despite his cautious approach, Quartararo noted that the team is already in a better position compared to last season. He pointed out that in last year’s tests, he finished 11th and 14th, whereas this year, he placed third and eighth. This significant improvement gives him confidence that Yamaha has built a stronger base to work from. However, he refrained from setting specific targets for the season, admitting that he currently doesn’t have any concrete goals in mind.
One of Quartararo’s main concerns heading into the Thai Grand Prix is his lack of front-end feeling, an issue that surfaced during testing at Buriram. He explained that this was not a problem he encountered last year, even when Yamaha was struggling. The front tyre issue, which he found particularly unsettling, will be his primary focus during Friday’s practice sessions. Quartararo remains hopeful that it is something they can resolve over the race weekend, as he aims to start the season on a strong note.
With Yamaha showing promising signs of resurgence, Quartararo and his team will be eager to prove their improvements when the real action begins. While testing has provided some encouragement, the true measure of Yamaha’s progress will be determined on race day.
