MotoGP News: Fabio Quartararo Offered Contract Away From Yamaha

Alex Harrington | Jul 29, 2024

Apr 12, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Fabio Quartararo (20) of France and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP during practice for the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In a significant development that could have reshaped the 2025 MotoGP lineup, Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 champion, decided to stick with Yamaha despite other offers. This decision unfolded even as Aprilia showed considerable interest in the rider.

Quartararo's choice came at a pivotal moment, notably influenced by a prior commitment to Aprilia by Jorge Martin, who moved there after Ducati's shift towards Marc Marquez. This chain of events could have led Martin to Yamaha, had Quartararo elected to switch, ultimately reshuffling two major MotoGP teams’ rosters.

The French MotoGP World Champion elaborated on his decision to stay with Yamaha, highlighting mutual loyalty as his deciding factor.

“I extended my contract with Yamaha because I have faith in this project," Quartararo shared with Corsedimoto. He added: “I had the opportunity to move to another team, but my loyalty to Yamaha is enormous and Yamaha has also been very loyal to me. Furthermore, my wishes have been listened to. We have to wait and see how the next two years go. Then it will be time for a new decision.”

Yamaha's 2024 improvements played a significant role in retaining Quartararo. Notable improvements in performance and strategy, plus a shift in team culture towards faster and more efficient decision-making were key.

“A good project, good people, a different mentality, decisions were taken not in three or four months, but quickly. I wanted people who had worked with other manufacturers and had experience with other bikes. Yamaha gave me everything I asked for … This was a good reason to stay."

Strategically, Quartararo’s decision to continue with Yamaha serves as a linchpin for the team's planning and has broader implications for MotoGP team dynamics as they head into the 2025 season. With the racer hinting at reassessing his direction after the upcoming seasons, it suggests an ongoing evaluation both for his career and Yamaha’s competitive standing.