Yamaha targets MotoGP resurgence despite early struggles

Yamaha aims for a stronger MotoGP season with a revamped structure and development plan.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP paddock of Fabio Quartararo is seen during the qualifying session of the MotoGP Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia, on October 14, 2023. Photo by Mas Agung Wilis/Nur

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Yamaha has shown significant progress over the winter, setting the stage for a much-improved MotoGP campaign in 2025. After a dismal 2024 season, the Japanese manufacturer has restructured its approach, aiming to close the gap to its European rivals.

However, early-season challenges have highlighted lingering issues. Fabio Quartararo, who impressed with top-three finishes in all three days of the Sepang test, struggled at both the Buriram test and the season-opening Grand Prix of Thailand. Yamaha’s factory team found themselves lacking pace compared to Pramac Racing, their new satellite outfit.

Despite this setback, Yamaha remains optimistic, believing their revised development strategy and team structure will yield long-term benefits. The upcoming Argentina Grand Prix presents a fresh opportunity to assess their improvements.

Yamaha’s restructuring and technical evolution

Yamaha's MotoGP struggles in recent years have prompted a fundamental shift in their operations. A major step forward has been the introduction of four identical factory-spec bikes on the grid, a move that Jack Miller believes has revolutionized their development approach.

This change ensures a consistent flow of data from multiple riders, aiding in technical advancements. Yamaha acknowledges that certain aspects of their setup still need improvement, but they are confident that their planned V4 engine—set to debut in 2027—will help them regain competitiveness.

Speaking to Moto.it, Yamaha boss Paolo Pavesio highlighted how the team’s new structure has already delivered positive results.

“We can certainly use it, it’s still a difficult time, but I think the winter has already given us some signals,” Pavesio said. “Beyond the tenths of a second, it has given us the signal that it’s a new way of working, and I’m referring above all to the four-rider, two-team structure and what’s behind it in terms of engineering support.

“It’s already making it clear that the path is right. We’ve already said it many times: they are four factory riders with the same treatment, so there’s the technical aspect if you want the data, but there’s also the sporting aspect of pushing each other.”

Quartararo’s ongoing struggles and Yamaha’s long-term vision

Since winning his maiden MotoGP title in 2021, Fabio Quartararo has faced a steady decline in form. He finished runner-up to Francesco Bagnaia in 2022 before slipping to 10th in 2023 and 13th in 2024. His early struggles in 2025 suggest that Yamaha is still not fully competitive at the front of the grid.

The extreme heat of the Thailand Grand Prix, where track temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius, may have played a role in their underperformance. Yamaha’s riders, including Alex Rins, found it difficult to extract pace from their bikes under such conditions.

Despite these challenges, Yamaha is confident that their long-term development plan will pay off. With the concession system allowing them to continue engine development over the next two years, they have a unique opportunity to make gains while their European rivals face more restrictions.

Looking ahead to Argentina and beyond

The upcoming Argentina Grand Prix presents an opportunity for Yamaha to gauge their progress in more favorable conditions. If they can show improved pace, it will reinforce their belief that the Thai GP was an outlier rather than an indication of deeper problems.

Realistically, Yamaha’s return to the front of MotoGP may not come until 2027, when the new technical regulations take effect. Until then, their focus remains on incremental improvements, maximizing the benefits of their revised team structure, and preparing for the next era of competition.

While immediate success remains unlikely, Yamaha’s restructuring efforts signal a determined push toward resurgence. If their development path continues on its current trajectory, they could once again become a dominant force in MotoGP in the years to come.