Fabio Quartararo has admitted the Sachsenring is “not an easy track” for Yamaha as MotoGP heads to its final race before the summer break on 09-11 July 2026.

The Frenchman arrives in Germany off the back of an eighth-place finish at Assen two weeks ago (26-28 June). He won at this circuit in 2022 — Yamaha's last victory in the series.

What did Fabio Quartararo say about the German GP?

“Assen was physically demanding, but we managed to get the maximum from that race,” said Quartararo. “Sachsenring is a track where I've had some great memories, including a win, so it's nice to be back.

“It's not an easy circuit for us, but we'll focus on the positives, keep working hard, and try to be competitive from the start of the weekend. The goal is to head into the summer break with the best result possible.”

Why is the Sachsenring tough for Yamaha?

The track is the shortest on the calendar. Its tight, left-handed layout doesn't suit the YZR-M1's strengths. Quartararo's 2022 win remains Yamaha's only victory in the last four years.

Yamaha has struggled for rear grip and corner speed at other circuits this season. The Sachsenring's stop-and-go nature could expose those weaknesses again.

What about Alex Rins?

Quartararo's Monster Energy Yamaha team-mate Alex Rins also scored points at Assen, finishing ninth. The Spaniard said: “The Dutch GP was tough, but we managed to finish P9 in the end.

“We know where we need to improve, and everyone at Yamaha is working very hard behind the scenes to keep moving forward. Sachsenring is a very particular circuit, and finding the right feeling early will be important.”

What's at stake for Quartararo?

This is the last race before the summer break. A strong result would give Quartararo momentum heading into the second half of the season. He currently sits eighth in the championship standings.

The German Grand Prix is also the first race since Yamaha confirmed that Quartararo and Rins will be replaced by Ai Ogura and Jorge Martin for 2027. Neither rider's future beyond this season is yet confirmed.

Quartararo has a decent history here. He won in 2022 and has scored points in every Sachsenring appearance since. But the bike hasn't kept pace with the competition.

“We'll focus on the positives,” he said. That's about all he can do right now.