Yamaha: start to forget
In a period of clear crisis of Yamahaalready noticed during the pre-season tests with the V4 engine, the first GP of the 2026 world championship in Thailand confirmed the difficulties of the Iwata-based M1s, both in terms of the official team and the Pramacits satellite team. With all its riders out of the top-10, the only positive note (if it can be called that) came for this season’s rookie, as well as reigning Superbike world champion: Toprak Razgatlioglu.
The main problems
In the direct challenge with his teammate Jack Miller, more experienced in MotoGP, the Turkish rider crossed the finish line at 17th placeright in front of the Australian: “It was my first full race in MotoGP and, obviously, I was hoping for a better result – he commented – but it was a long and very demanding race: 26 laps in that heat are physically demanding. We had obvious grip problems at the rearespecially during the race, but I don’t want to blame anyone else. I know I still have a lot to learn and, at the same time, we know that Yamaha is working hard to improve the package. The grip was quite limited throughout the race and it seemed to be a situation common to all Yamaha riderssince we were running very close. Now we focus on the next race. I know that I will give my best and I know that the whole team will do the same.”
18th place final (penultimate among the drivers who passed under the checkered flag) which cannot satisfy in any way Jack Millerin his second year in Pramac: “Obviously it wasn’t the race we were hoping for. Overall, the bike itself didn’t perform badly over the distance and physically I felt good, but right from the start I knew we had a problem with the rear tire. I tried to manage it as best I could – short shifts, fluidity, waiting to catch the bike on exit – but as the laps went by it became more and more difficult. In the end the tire was completely worn in the center and on the straights I couldn’t use more than a quarter of the throttle. It was a difficult situation to handle. Anyway, it was our first full race with the V4. It didn’t go the way we wanted, but the important thing is that all four bikes have finished and we have gathered a lot of information. It is a base to start from and there is ample room for improvement ahead of Brazil.”
