Marco Melandri says Yamaha’s funding will ‘terminate’ if they ruin another MotoGP season

As expected, given the limited time engineers had to develop the new bike lineup, it will mark another year of Yamaha racing at the back of the grid.

Predict the order of Yamaha A riders in the 2026 MotoGP rankings

The pre-season in cycling was marred by many technical issues, and The Yamaha crew are now bracing themselves for the pit-lane start. Since their new power unit is not very reliable.

It’s no secret that the Iwata-based MotoGP outfit are second to none on the grid financially, but former premier class rider Marco Melandri has warned the team of dire consequences if they fail to improve their results at the end of the year.

Marco Melandri has said that Yamaha’s funding will ‘terminate’ if they screw up 2026

In a recent interview GPONMelandri was asked to give his opinion Toprak Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP debut at Pramac.

Despite finishing out of the points, the three-time World Superbike champion impressed to beat his experienced veteran team-mate at Buriram. Jack MillerOn the first try.

The Italian said: “Toprac is going through a very difficult phase, but I am sure it will be very strong in 2027. Yamaha cannot afford to spoil another season, because if they do, the money will be cut off at the top.”

Toprak did well, because he was on par with the other Yamaha riders. Also, I feel bad for (Fabio) Quartararo, who is worried about his situation, and I can understand why.

Where does Fabio Quattroro rank among the greatest Yamaha riders?

of Quattro Displeasure with Yamaha has been in the public eye for some time, and it is understood that frustration with the old inline-four engine layout motivated the Japanese automaker to pursue a V4 instead.

The Frenchman has instead decided to seek greener pastures with one of Yamaha’s closest rivals. It is understood that although it cannot be confirmed yet. Quatararo was finalizing a deal to sign with Honda. for the 2027 MotoGP season in January.

Yamaha’s open checkbook is no longer enough to attract the best MotoGP riders.

With Quattroro on his way out of Yamaha, the factory team will need a new MotoGP superstar to lead the charge on race weekends.

George Martin tipped to sign deal to replace Iwata as 2021 world champion Razgatlioglu is also said to be rewarded with a factory ride. During the second phase of the premier class.

However, that didn’t stop Yamaha’s top brass from chasing other top prospects in the equestrian market.

MotoGP fans thought Francesco Bagnaia was looking at a move to Yamaha. Because of the financial benefits they offer, however, their open checkbook doesn’t seem to carry the weight it once did.

The factory Ducati man opted for Aprilia instead, with Pedro Acosta reportedly signing a four-year deal with Noale ahead of an expected move to Borgo Pangale.