Fabio Quartararo was just 0.504s from pole position at the recent Dutch Grand Prix.
This result is a positive sign for Yamaha, which is in the middle of a rebuilding phase.
What happened?
Yamaha is currently 42 points back from Honda in fifth in the constructors' rankings.
The Japanese brand has scored no podiums so far across the opening 10 rounds.
Why it matters for Fabio Quartararo
Pramac team boss Gino Borsoi believes Yamaha being 1.2 seconds from the leading bikes is an incredible result.
Borsoi said this shows the aerodynamics, electronics, and chassis are working well.
What comes next?
Yamaha always anticipated that the first half of 2026 would be a learning phase.
The team plans to make a step forward in the second part of the campaign.
At Assen, Jack Miller noted that the front-end of the new bike remains strong.
But the riders are having to push hard to counteract the lack of engine power.
Alex Rins revealed that updates to Yamaha's current 1000cc engine are in the works.
These updates are expected to arrive later in the season.
Borsoi confirmed that the M1 could receive up to two additional engine upgrades.
This is despite development shifting towards the 850cc rules.
The recent results are a positive sign for Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha.
The team is working hard to improve and close the gap to the leading bikes.
On the recent Dutch Grand Prix, Fabio Quartararo outshone the M1 in qualifying trim.
Yamaha was 0.7s from the fastest race lap.
Gino Borsoi believes all signs are currently trending upwards for the new V4 M1.
He said the team needs to completely rebuild its way of thinking.
According to Borsoi, the team is better than expected after last year.
The lack of power is still a issue, but the team is working to improve.
The upcoming races will be crucial for Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha.
The team needs to continue improving and closing the gap to the leading bikes.
The Dutch Grand Prix was a positive sign for the team.
Fabio Quartararo's result was a highlight of the weekend.
Yamaha is working hard to improve and make a step forward.
The team is focused on the second part of the campaign.
The recent results are a positive sign for the team.
Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha are working hard to improve and succeed.