{"id":1901993,"date":"2026-04-24T10:31:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T07:31:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1901993"},"modified":"2026-04-24T10:31:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T07:31:04","slug":"yamaha-insists-motogp-rider-changes-not-affecting-motivation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1901993","title":{"rendered":"Yamaha insists MotoGP rider changes not affecting motivation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Yamaha insists MotoGP rider changes not affecting motivation<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Massimo Meregalli is convinced Yamaha\u2019s current MotoGP riders have high motivation despite both being expected to leave in 2027.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Alex Whitworth <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-24T17:19:24+00:00\">Updated: 24 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Fabio Quartararo leads Toprak Razgatioglu and Alex Rins, 2026 MotoGP US Grand Prix. Credit:\u2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Factory Yamaha team manager Massimo Meregalli is sure that rider changes expected for 2027 are not affecting the motivation of the brand\u2019s current riders.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Both Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins are expected to depart the factory Yamaha team at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quartararo\u2019s rumoured move to HRC for the first year of the 850cc regulations was first reported during winter testing in February, although it still isn\u2019t official. Likewise, a move for Jorge Martin from Aprilia to Yamaha was reported soon after the Quartararo rumours emerged, but has still not been officially confirmed.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">On the other hand, Rins confirmed ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix that he will leave the team at the end of this season after reports during April suggested Yamaha had signed Ai Ogura for its second factory seat for next season. Again, the signing of Ogura has not yet been made official.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The knowledge for a rider that they are leaving a team seven months in advance of that event could be reasonably expected to have an effect on motivation since there is a clear end date set for the current relationship.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">However, Monster Energy Yamaha team manager Massimo Meregalli is sure that his team and riders remain motivated for what remains of the 2026 MotoGP season.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe team itself is motivated,\u201d Meregalli told the MotoGP world feed broadcast during FP1 in Jerez.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6e6010b9e821a066c06348bc919087a64175af90be2bcbbb61cd0eb9d8cbf7f7\">  Fabio Quartararo: Top speed \u2018the least of Yamaha\u2019s problems\u2019 at Spanish MotoGP   Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Friday Practice Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWhen there is things new, [they are] bringing motivation to everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt may be unclear about the rider, it doesn\u2019t mean that the motivation is not there. The riders themselves are always pushing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAt the end, they are racers, they are professional, and the team is professional, and we will work until the end of the season together to try to maximise the results as much as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e7d47dfc7d61ba9eb2d8b602868e5d1b8bc15553b2f2833b50b506b743971716\">  Trackhouse reacts to Ogura\u2019s Yamaha move, bad news for Bulega?   Alex Rins confirms Yamaha MotoGP departure: \u201cIt\u2019s made me feel pretty bad\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yamaha also has its test rider, Augusto Fernandez, at Jerez as a wildcard. Meregalli explained that there are new items for Yamaha this weekend that it has begun using already and that Fernandez will be able to help in progressing through the programme.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe are here with new materials,\u201d said Meregalli.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe already started using a bit of the new materials, we have for sure to test all we brought here on Monday. Likely also the wildcard will help us to advance some jobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAs you know, we\u2019re just wanting to anticipate this project to be in advance next year when everything will be new.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cFor sure the journey is a bit tougher than what we expect, but that doesn\u2019t mean that we don\u2019t give our maximum until we start to see good results.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Jack Miller was the top Yamaha rider in FP1 at Jerez, finishing seventh. Fabio Quartararo was the fastest rider from the factory team in 20th, one place ahead of Alex Rins.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Fabio Quartararo<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Alex Rins<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Ducati \u201cfound something\u201d for Jerez MotoGP, pinpoint Aprilia advantage<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Luca Marini wants to \u201ccomplete the circle\u201d with Honda, despite 2027 MotoGP rumours<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306141_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-3c4d1358e71fa9ececa5b56ab94724df7a146dd1da27c9bed6f1de777b360271\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-100393850-1649415070.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-100393850-1649415070.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-100393850-1649415070.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Alex Whitworth<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Alex joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having covered consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown for two years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-24f97e9bb2c773ddc402a7b2b808868c06c855adf256165e38ad1c0ad7833c92\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fabio Quartararo: \u201cGood memories\u201d at Jerez, but how will the V4 perform?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776862617\"> 22\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Fabio Quartararo, 2025 Spanish MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Yamaha fields fifth MotoGP bike at Jerez<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776855597\"> 22\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Augusto Fernandez, Yamaha Test Rider.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Alex Rins reveals ongoing injury struggles from serious 2023 MotoGP crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776687600\"> 20\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1059580_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Alex Rins, LCR Honda, MotoGP 2023\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP 2027 trade board: How the grid is shaping up, and who could miss out<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776081600\"> 13\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304135_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"2026 MotoGP US GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Yamaha set to deliver latest 2027 MotoGP rider market shock amid Ai Ogura reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775915449\"> 11\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-09\/gng_1261926_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ai Ogura, Trackhouse Racing, 2025 San Marino MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cTime will tell\u201d if \u201ccourageous\u201d Yamaha V4 strategy was right<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775901600\"> 11\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Quartararo, Razgatlioglu, Miller, Rins, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Massimo Meregalli is convinced Yamaha\u2019s current MotoGP riders have high motivation despite both being expected to leave in 2027.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Factory Yamaha team manager Massimo Meregalli is sure that rider changes expected for 2027 are not affecting the motivation of the brand\u2019s current riders.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Both Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins are expected to depart the factory Yamaha team at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quartararo\u2019s rumoured move to HRC for the first year of the 850cc regulations was first reported during winter testing in February, although it still isn\u2019t official. Likewise, a move for Jorge Martin from Aprilia to Yamaha was reported soon after the Quartararo rumours emerged, but has still not been officially confirmed.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">On the other hand, Rins confirmed ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix that he will leave the team at the end of this season after reports during April suggested Yamaha had signed Ai Ogura for its second factory seat for next season. Again, the signing of Ogura has not yet been made official.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The knowledge for a rider that they are leaving a team seven months in advance of that event could be reasonably expected to have an effect on motivation since there is a clear end date set for the current relationship.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">However, Monster Energy Yamaha team manager Massimo Meregalli is sure that his team and riders remain motivated for what remains of the 2026 MotoGP season.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe team itself is motivated,\u201d Meregalli told the MotoGP world feed broadcast during FP1 in Jerez.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6e6010b9e821a066c06348bc919087a64175af90be2bcbbb61cd0eb9d8cbf7f7\">  Fabio Quartararo: Top speed \u2018the least of Yamaha\u2019s problems\u2019 at Spanish MotoGP   Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Friday Practice Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWhen there is things new, [they are] bringing motivation to everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt may be unclear about the rider, it doesn\u2019t mean that the motivation is not there. The riders themselves are always pushing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAt the end, they are racers, they are professional, and the team is professional, and we will work until the end of the season together to try to maximise the results as much as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e7d47dfc7d61ba9eb2d8b602868e5d1b8bc15553b2f2833b50b506b743971716\">  Trackhouse reacts to Ogura\u2019s Yamaha move, bad news for Bulega?   Alex Rins confirms Yamaha MotoGP departure: \u201cIt\u2019s made me feel pretty bad\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yamaha also has its test rider, Augusto Fernandez, at Jerez as a wildcard. Meregalli explained that there are new items for Yamaha this weekend that it has begun using already and that Fernandez will be able to help in progressing through the programme.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe are here with new materials,\u201d said Meregalli.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe already started using a bit of the new materials, we have for sure to test all we brought here on Monday. Likely also the wildcard will help us to advance some jobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAs you know, we\u2019re just wanting to anticipate this project to be in advance next year when everything will be new.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cFor sure the journey is a bit tougher than what we expect, but that doesn\u2019t mean that we don\u2019t give our maximum until we start to see good results.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Jack Miller was the top Yamaha rider in FP1 at Jerez, finishing seventh. Fabio Quartararo was the fastest rider from the factory team in 20th, one place ahead of Alex Rins.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Factory Yamaha team manager Massimo Meregalli is sure that rider changes expected for 2027 are not affecting the motivation of the brand\u2019s current riders.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Both Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins are expected to depart the factory Yamaha team at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quartararo\u2019s rumoured move to HRC for the first year of the 850cc regulations was first reported during winter testing in February, although it still isn\u2019t official. Likewise, a move for Jorge Martin from Aprilia to Yamaha was reported soon after the Quartararo rumours emerged, but has still not been officially confirmed.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">On the other hand, Rins confirmed ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix that he will leave the team at the end of this season after reports during April suggested Yamaha had signed Ai Ogura for its second factory seat for next season. Again, the signing of Ogura has not yet been made official.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The knowledge for a rider that they are leaving a team seven months in advance of that event could be reasonably expected to have an effect on motivation since there is a clear end date set for the current relationship.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">However, Monster Energy Yamaha team manager Massimo Meregalli is sure that his team and riders remain motivated for what remains of the 2026 MotoGP season.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe team itself is motivated,\u201d Meregalli told the MotoGP world feed broadcast during FP1 in Jerez.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6e6010b9e821a066c06348bc919087a64175af90be2bcbbb61cd0eb9d8cbf7f7\">  Fabio Quartararo: Top speed \u2018the least of Yamaha\u2019s problems\u2019 at Spanish MotoGP   Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Friday Practice Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWhen there is things new, [they are] bringing motivation to everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt may be unclear about the rider, it doesn\u2019t mean that the motivation is not there. The riders themselves are always pushing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAt the end, they are racers, they are professional, and the team is professional, and we will work until the end of the season together to try to maximise the results as much as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e7d47dfc7d61ba9eb2d8b602868e5d1b8bc15553b2f2833b50b506b743971716\">  Trackhouse reacts to Ogura\u2019s Yamaha move, bad news for Bulega?   Alex Rins confirms Yamaha MotoGP departure: \u201cIt\u2019s made me feel pretty bad\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yamaha also has its test rider, Augusto Fernandez, at Jerez as a wildcard. Meregalli explained that there are new items for Yamaha this weekend that it has begun using already and that Fernandez will be able to help in progressing through the programme.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe are here with new materials,\u201d said Meregalli.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe already started using a bit of the new materials, we have for sure to test all we brought here on Monday. Likely also the wildcard will help us to advance some jobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAs you know, we\u2019re just wanting to anticipate this project to be in advance next year when everything will be new.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cFor sure the journey is a bit tougher than what we expect, but that doesn\u2019t mean that we don\u2019t give our maximum until we start to see good results.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Jack Miller was the top Yamaha rider in FP1 at Jerez, finishing seventh. Fabio Quartararo was the fastest rider from the factory team in 20th, one place ahead of Alex Rins.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1093368\/1\/yamaha-insists-motogp-rider-changes-not-affecting-motivation&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304332_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Yamaha insists MotoGP rider changes not affecting motivation Massimo Meregalli is convinced Yamaha\u2019s current MotoGP riders have high motivation despite both being expected to leave in 2027. Alex Whitworth Updated: 24 Apr 2026 Share Fabio Quartararo leads Toprak Razgatioglu and Alex Rins, 2026 MotoGP US Grand Prix. Credit:\u2026 \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose Add [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1901993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1901993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1901993"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1901993\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1901993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1901993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1901993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}