Yamaha’s Resurgence: Quartararo Returns to Podium in Spanish GP Thriller

Frenchman secures first Sunday Race podium since 2023 as Rins battles through pain in impressive comeback ride. 

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The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team delivered their strongest performance of the season at Jerez, with Fabio Quartararo claiming a hard-fought second place, his first MotoGP podium in 18 months, while Álex Rins defied physical discomfort to charge from last to 13th in a demonstration of Yamaha’s growing competitiveness.

Starting from pole, the 2021 world champion executed a perfect launch to lead the opening laps before being passed by eventual winner Alex Márquez. What followed was a defensive masterclass as Quartararo held off relentless pressure from reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia for 14 consecutive laps.

Fabio: “It’s incredible! I am over the moon! To be on the podium is something super special. The moments we lived this weekend: with my team, with my crew, with my family, and my friends were amazing – especially making the pole position. Leading the Sprint and Race and making the podium was nice. Fighting at the front is a great feeling. Being at the front and leading a race is something I love.” 

Meanwhile, Rins, who started 23rd after a heavy Saturday crash, produced one of the rides of the day – overtaking six riders while managing significant discomfort. His 13th-place finish, just 0.3s behind Marc Márquez after a last-lap duel, showcased Yamaha’s race pace potential.

Rins: “The Race was quite tough because it was difficult to manage the pain and my body’s condition after the big impact I had yesterday. I was able to finish the race. I feel tired, but like normal. We changed the set-up of the bike a bit for today. I did some overtakes in this race. Unfortunately, Marc overtook me in Turn 11 on the last lap, so I lost one position, but it was still a positive day. Congrats to Fabio! He deserves it. This is an unbelievable boost for the entire team.” 

Yamaha’s new aerodynamic package and engine upgrades showed marked improvement, with both riders consistently matching the leaders’ pace. The results propelled Yamaha to second in the constructors’ championship ahead of Monday’s crucial test session.

As the MotoGP prepares for Le Mans, Quartararo’s resurgence signals Yamaha’s return as a genuine threat. “I’m super happy to have done this podium before the French GP. Le Mans is also going to be super special because it’s a track that I like, there are many fans there, it’s my home GP, and there will also be some nice liveries there.”

The French GP on May 9-11 now looms as a potential turning point, with Quartararo poised to challenge before his home crowd and Rins targeting top-ten finishes as his physical condition improves.