The Frenchman claimed his maiden world championship at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Misano two years ago after a crash from rival Francesco Bagnaia handed him the championship with two rounds remaining.
But Yamaha has struggled since, and though Quartararo finished second in last year’s standings, he is currently 11th, 178 points behind Ducati rider Bagnaia.
Quartararo has repeatedly aired his frustrations at Yamaha’s lack of competitiveness, saying the current bike is “practically the same” as that which Jorge Lorenzo raced to the title in 2015.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix, Quartararo expressed his dismay at the team’s position two years on from his title aged just 22.
He said: “Of course it’s a great feeling, but also it hurts to see where we are right now compared to two years ago.
“It was one of the best days of my life here, but going back to this place and knowing which position we are now, it hurts, but it is what it is.
“We have to think positive, try to bring Yamaha to the best position they can be, and hopefully being back here with the greatest feeling as 2021.”
Source: Autosport