A shakeup is coming to MotoGP as Pramac Racing and Ducati announced they’ll be going their separate ways after nearly two decades together.
The Italian independent team will be switching allegiances, inking a multi-year deal to become a satellite team for Yamaha starting in the 2025 season.
This move comes despite Pramac boasting their strongest showing yet this year with factory-spec Ducati machines and rider Jorge Martin leading the championship heading into the Dutch Grand Prix. Apparently, tensions behind the scenes overshadowed their on-track success.
This marks a significant shift for the brand, which previously prioritized business deals over bolstering the competitiveness of its machines for satellite teams.
This change comes alongside Pramac’s switch from Ducati to Yamaha, leaving VR46 to inherit Pramac’s current position as the factory-supported satellite team.
While both VR46 and Pramac are expected to receive two identical bikes and full technical backing, VR46 will need to decide if they’re willing to cover the costs associated with running two factory-spec Yamahas.
With rider announcements still pending, speculation swirls around potential candidates for both teams. Pramac might target established riders like Fabio di Giannantonio or Miguel Oliveira, or consider promoting young talent like Sergio García or Alonso Lopez. VR46, meanwhile, is likely to include Fermin Aldeguer, recently acquired from Ducati, with Franco Morbidelli potentially joining him due to his Ducati familiarity.