Meregalli on Quartararo: “Fabio should take a leaf out of Jack’s book”

Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo hit a personal low at Aragon. In the MotoGP Sprint, the engine on his M1 went up in smoke on the fifth lap. And in Sunday’s Grand Prix, the Frenchman crossed the finish line last, over 51 seconds behind. Even Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori was faster.

Quartararo has never minced his words when it comes to criticising Yamaha. He has always publicly voiced his frustration, particularly regarding the V4 project. But in Aragon, the whole situation reached a new low. The 2021 MotoGP World Champion had to carry out a great deal of testing work for the Japanese manufacturer once again last weekend. This, combined with the poor results, was the last straw.

“I don’t want to develop the bike for the riders of 2027. I won’t be acting as a test rider any more, as I did this weekend,” Quartararo made clear. “I’m not in a position to help. For personal reasons, I don’t want to either.”

Those were harsh words from the 27-year-old. In contrast, however, Quartararo would certainly have been interested in taking part in the Pirelli test with the 850cc prototypes on 21 September, which is due to take place the day after the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. Yamaha, however, will not allow this, as on that day the riders who will be competing for the Japanese brand in 2027 will be given the opportunity to take part. The other MotoGP manufacturers are following suit.

Massimo Meregalli

Foto: Gold & Goose

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Pirelli test in September to go ahead without Quartararo

“Razgatlioglu and, in all likelihood, Guevara will be riding in the test, as they will be with us next year,” Yamaha team manager Massimo Meregalli emphasised to the French daily newspaper L’Equipe. “All manufacturers have made this decision. Martin and Ogura won’t be testing the Aprilia, Bagnaia won’t be testing the Ducati, Acosta won’t be testing the KTM, and we won’t be letting Miller test our 850 either.”

Meregalli couldn’t resist taking a dig at Quartararo either. He drew a comparison with Pramac rider Jack Miller, who will also be leaving Yamaha’s MotoGP project at the end of 2026 to move to the World Superbike Championship. “Fabio should take a leaf out of Jack’s book – he always gives his all and makes sure we keep our spirits up even in difficult times.”

There are still nine race weekends to go in the 2026 MotoGP season – after that, Quartararo and Yamaha will go their separate ways and their eight-year journey together will come to an end. Relations have been strained for some time, and the rift has widened even further following the Aragon GP. Nobody really believes in a happy ending anymore.