Quartararo ‘looking forward to new engine in a proper race’

Reigning MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo finally has an engine to rival that of Ducati, Honda, Aprilia and KTM but will have to wait until 2023 to use it.

The Frenchman got his hands on the prototype Yamaha M1 motor at this week’s Misano test and was only 2 km/h slower than Jorge Martin’s Desmosedici - albeit with a tow.

But due to MotoGP engine development rules, Quartararo will have to wait until next year’s Portimao season opener before he can use it.

“I am feeling pretty confident about next year’s bike, the top speed looks pretty good. The averge of the speed was pretty good and this is super-important and I am looking forward to have this engine on a proper race,” said Quartararo.

“Considering that this is just the first step, I’m looking forward to the next engine improvement. We had three bikes: one was the standard bike, one with a new chassis, and one with the first prototype engine.

“Now we need more steps. I know that the other steps are not going to be as big as this one, but at least I know that the first step is really good and I think we are in a good way for the future. Yamaha is confident it can improve a bit more.”