Toprak vs. Quartararo: The Battle of Styles in the Yamaha V4 Era

Fabio Quartararo and Toprak Razqatlioglu 

The 2026 Sepang Test has provided the first real glimpse into a fascinating intra-team dynamic at Yamaha. In one corner, we have Fabio Quartararo, the "precision surgeon" who has mastered the M1 over six seasons. In the other, Toprak Razgatlioglu, the "braking artist" who is rewriting the MotoGP transition playbook.

While both are fast, their telemetry data and trackside behavior reveal two completely different philosophies on how to tame the new Yamaha M1 V4.

1. Braking Zones: The "Stoppie" vs. The "Linear" Entry

The most visible difference occurs at Sepang’s heavy braking zones, such as Turn 1 and Turn 15.

• Toprak’s Approach: True to his WorldSBK roots, Toprak is incredibly aggressive on the initial brake pressure. He tends to keep the bike more upright while braking later than anyone else, often causing the rear of the bike to dance or lift slightly. He uses this "oversteer" to help point the bike toward the apex.
• Quartararo’s Approach: Fabio is the master of "flow." His braking is smoother and more linear. He focuses on a perfect corner-entry line, ensuring the bike is settled so he can carry maximum speed through the middle of the corner.

2. Aerodynamic Preferences: Data vs. Instinct

As discussed in our previous analysis, their choice of bodywork reveals a lot about their technical trust.

• Quartararo (The Modernist): Fabio has fully embraced Yamaha’s new "Ducati-style" aero package. He uses the full rear wing assembly and front triple-layer wings to keep the M1 as stable as possible, allowing the electronics to handle the V4’s massive power.
• Toprak (The Purist): Toprak has famously rejected the rear "stegosaurus" fins. He prefers a bike that feels more mechanical and "raw." By reducing aerodynamic interference at the rear, he gains a better sensation of the tire's grip, even if it makes the bike more physically demanding to ride at high speeds.

3. Throttle Management and Power Delivery

The switch to the V4 engine has changed how the M1 exits corners, and the two stars are adapting differently:

• Quartararo relies heavily on the M1’s updated traction control maps. He trusts the electronics to manage the slide, allowing him to pick up the bike early and rocket down the straights.
• Toprak is still "teaching" himself the limits of Michelin’s rear grip. He tends to be more manual with his throttle application, often using his body weight to find traction where the electronics might otherwise intervene.

4. Who is Faster? (The Verdict from Sepang)

As of the latest sessions, Quartararo holds a slight edge in pure lap time, particularly in "Time Attack" simulations. His years of experience with Michelin tires give him the confidence to find the limit of the front end in a single lap.

However, Toprak’s race pace is what has the paddock talking. His ability to maintain consistent times on used tires—by adjusting his braking markers as the grip drops—suggests he will be a formidable threat in Sunday races once the lights go out.

"Who do you think has the better approach for the new V4 engine? Fabio's smooth precision or Toprak's aggressive late braking? Let us know in the comments!"

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