The Asian leg of MotoGP is always a period of unpredictability and the opportunity for fewer riders, teams and factories to achieve strong results. However, Yamaha says he will be heading to the home race, Japan’s Grand Prix, with “one-eye of 2026” from September 26th to 28th.
The Iwata Factory debuted the V4 engine, which is expected to race against all official bikes from all four official bikes (the factory Monster Energy Yamaha team and the semi-established Pramac Yamaha team) in the racing scenario.
Fernandez won’t race at Motegi this weekend, but at Misano it has been revealed that the V4 should return to MotoGP race action at the Malaysian Grand Prix at the end of October.
Still, Monster Energy Yamaha team manager Massimo Meregari says Yamaha has already looked ahead to 2026, with six races remaining, including the Japan Grand Prix this weekend.
“Japan’s Grand Prix has always been a special round for Yamaha,” Melegali said.
“It is our manufacturer’s home race and means our team will compete in front of our factory colleagues and many passionate fans who always give us full support.
“We are heading towards a critical overseas foot in the season, an important stage for looking to 2026 and booking progress.
“Japan is a great place to highlight the spirit of Yamaha’s fighting spirit. As always, the team will do their best to make a good show for the fans.”
Quartarraro “I’m ready to give my biggest”
The changes currently happening within Yamaha means that the rider is in a kind of range. With the inline 4 engine expected to retire at the end of this season, the miles on the bike in the final race of 2025 are unlikely to benefit the future, so the relevance of the outcome is strictly limited to the present.
Despite this strange context in which he races, Fabio Cartalaro says he is “ready to give my utmost” at Yamaha’s home race in Japan.
“Lace in Japan has always been unique. Fans there show support with custom-made masks, banners, clothing and shoes. It gives the paddock a special atmosphere.”
“Our team gives Motegi a 100% as usual because they feel special motivation.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to have Good Friday right away. I’m ready to maximize.”
Alex Rins repeated Quartararro’s comments, saying that Japan had “extra motivations.”
“After a short week of break, we’ll start our second overseas part,” he said.
“Japan’s Grand Prix is extremely important to us. This round is Yamaha’s home race, so we know that all engineers and staff are very careful about their performance.
“The fans in Japan are incredible and their support gives us a special motivation to push us. We look forward to starting the weekend.”