Giacomo Agostini stunned that Yamaha build ‘20,000 bikes daily’ yet struggle for pace
· Yahoo Sports
Giacomo Agostini has been left puzzled by Yamaha’s continued difficulties in MotoGP, especially considering the size and resources of the company. The Japanese manufacturer is on track to finish bottom of the constructors’ standings for a second consecutive year.
Fabio Quartararo gave Yamaha their last world title back in 2021, but since then, wins have been hard to come by. Since the start of 2023, they have managed just three podiums across 63 races.
Visit chickenroad-game.rodeo for more information.
In response, the Japanese manufacturer moved away from their traditional inline-four engine setup in favour of a V4. But with that technology already well established elsewhere, they are not expecting to be up to speed until at least the back half of 2026.
Giacomo Agostini: MotoGP needs Yamaha back at the top
Photo by Kaikungwon Duanjumroon/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesAgostini, speaking to Moto IT, believes Quartararo could contend for another world title if he had the right machinery. The Frenchman, who has been linked with a move to Honda in 2027, still managed five pole positions last year despite the M1’s shortcomings.
According to Agostini, Yamaha should be more competitive given their size and resources. However, power in MotoGP now seems to be shifting towards European manufacturers.
He stated: “I’m surprised that such a large company, so technologically strong, can’t produce a competitive bike. Quartararo, for me, is a very strong rider; he could fight for the world championship, but right now the bike doesn’t allow him.
“They’re working hard, and I’m confident because it’s a very large company – I don’t know, but I think Yamaha makes 20,000 bikes a day. So the technology and economic power are there. I hope he comes back, also for the spectacle.”
Agostini also pointed out that Honda are facing similar issues despite showing signs of progress under the new concessions system.
“It’s the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, and it’s struggling. This shows that our Italian technicians are truly excellent. It’s right to see Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Yamaha, and Honda all competitive: that’s what makes this championship great.”
Giacomo Agostini backs 2027 MotoGP rule changes: ‘There’s too much technology today’
During the same interview, Agostini shared his thoughts on the 2027 MotoGP rule changes, which will dial back recent aerodynamic developments and ban ride-height devices.
The eight-time premier-class champion believes the changes are a positive move for the sport, making rider skill a bigger factor in performance.
“I’ve been pushing for some change for a while now,” he said. “There’s too much technology today. I’d like the rider to have more power, and for victory to be more down to the rider and not the technology.
“Today, they push a button and everything goes down. Once upon a time, it was the wrist. I’d give more value to the rider, and I hope that with the new regulations, we’ll get back to that.”
Aprilia’s recent introduction of an F-Duct is one of the most notable technical additions in years. While some have praised it as an engineering feat, Agostini has criticised what he sees as unnecessary complexity.
“Airplanes have wings, not motorcycles. They shouldn’t be on racing bikes,” he said.
Read more: