Frustrated Quartararo Denied Yamaha Pirelli Test Access

The outgoing Yamaha rider says he wanted to participate in the Austria test but was prevented from riding the new Pirelli tyres ahead of his move to Honda.

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Fabio Quartararo has expressed his frustration after Yamaha decided not to allow him to participate in the upcoming Red Bull Ring test with the new Pirelli tyres, as the French rider prepares to leave the manufacturer at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season. 

Speaking during the Aragon Grand Prix weekend, the 2021 MotoGP World Champion admitted that he had wanted to take part in the test and help Yamaha develop its motorcycle ahead of the new 850cc era in 2027. 

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but I’m going to say it anyway: I wanted to take part in the tests in Austria. But unfortunately, Yamaha doesn’t want me to ride with the Pirelli tyres,” Quartararo was quoted as saying by Motorsport.com. 

The situation is linked to Quartararo’s decision to join Honda for the 2027 season. With Yamaha already preparing its next-generation MotoGP machine and adapting to Pirelli becoming the championship’s tyre supplier, the manufacturer has opted to use riders who will remain within its programme next year for the development work. 

Yamaha team managing director Massimo Meregalli explained that this approach is not unique to Yamaha, with other manufacturers also choosing their future riders for the Austria test. 

“We’ll be using Razgatlioglu and most certainly Guevara for the test in Austria because they’ll be with us next year.”

“All the manufacturers have taken 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 850cc either,” Meregalli told L’Equipe. 

The decision means Quartararo will not have the opportunity to contribute directly to Yamaha’s development of its 2027 MotoGP package, despite remaining a Yamaha rider for the rest of the current season.

Meregalli also suggested that Quartararo should follow the example set by Jack Miller, who is likewise set to leave Yamaha at the end of the year.

“Fabio should follow Jack’s example – he always gives his all and makes sure that, even if things get tough, everyone stays in good spirits,” Meregalli said.

Quartararo and Yamaha have endured a difficult 2026 campaign, with the Frenchman currently sitting 15th in the riders’ championship on 55 points. His best result of the season so far came at the Catalan Grand Prix, where he finished fifth.

The 2027 season will mark a major change for both Quartararo and Yamaha. Quartararo will move to the Honda factory team, while Yamaha will continue with Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura in its factory line-up.

Yamaha’s satellite Pramac Racing team will also field Toprak Razgatlioglu and Izan Guevara, who are expected to play an important role in the manufacturer’s development programme for the new 850cc MotoGP era.

With the switch to Pirelli tyres and the introduction of new technical regulations approaching, manufacturers are already laying the groundwork for 2027. For Quartararo, however, that development process will now take place without his involvement.