Le Mans’s first test day for the French motorcycle was a hard blow to the paddock. Fabio Quartarara de Yamaha, aboard a motorcycle that is reported to incorporate its expected V4 engine, marked a surprising return that broke the record of the existing test day. The transparent speed shown by the French and the significantly different sound that emanated from their car left the spectators stunned, and none more than the Head of Ducati, Gigi Dall’igna, whose reaction betrayed a palpable feeling of discomfort.
During the morning session, Quartararo consistently exceeded the times, showing his Yamaha a nominal speed level never seen before this season. The distinctive growth of the V4 engine, a departure from the traditional configuration of the Yamaha line, was unmistakable and a clear indicator of a significant step in its power unit. According to the reports, the record return, marked in the final minutes of the session, was advanced to the competition, which led to the disbelief aircraft to the boxes and even the experts rising to analyze the data.
The reaction of the Ducati team was particularly counted. Gigi Dall’igna, known for his serene behavior, was visibly animated on the wall of the hole, his usual trusted air seemed replaced by frown and intense discussions with his technical staff. The sources suggest that the head of Ducati was heard saying something like “this engine … it changes everything”, a tone dyed of a clear apprehension for the new competitiveness of their Japanese rivals. The unexpected jump in Yamaha’s performance has undoubtedly put a brake on the dominant works of Ducati.
The implications of the Quartorarao record rhythm in the Yamaha with V4 engine are immense for the France Grand Prix on the MotoGP grid. Has Yamaha overcome the power deficit that has affected him during the last seasons? Can Ducati respond to this unexpected challenge in your field? The stunned silence that followed the record of the Di Quartoraro turn has been replaced by a palpable sensation of anticipation and perhaps also a touch of fear inside the Ducati ranks. The first day of testing in Le Mans has undoubtedly lit a new spark in the battle for the 2025 MotoGP Championship.
