A bombshell announcement rocked the MotoGP world at the Dutch Grand Prix. Pramac Racing, a team synonymous with Ducati for two decades, made a stunning departure, revealing a switch to Yamaha machinery for the 2025 season.
This unexpected move came after a series of rider reshuffles. First, star rider Marc Marquez, contracted elsewhere, surprised everyone by rejecting Pramac’s offer to race a top-of-the-line Ducati.
This triggered a chain reaction, as another rider on Pramac’s lineup secured a spot with a different team, creating a vacancy. Ducati, faced with this musical chairs scenario, chose to fill the empty seat by promoting the highly-regarded Marquez to their factory squad.
Left needing a new manufacturer, Pramac insists their decision to join forces with Yamaha stemmed from their strategic plans, and not due to any influence from Marquez.
Recognizing the strategic advantage of a satellite team in MotoGP, Fabio Quartararo, the reigning champion, has spearheaded Yamaha’s efforts to secure a new partner.
Since their previous collaboration ended in late 2022, Yamaha has been at a disadvantage in terms of data collection and development compared to competitors with multiple teams on the grid.
Quartararo, the 2021 championship winner, hasn’t been shy about his involvement. He disclosed his persistent lobbying of Pramac Racing to consider a switch to Yamaha.
This strategic acquisition, according to Quartararo, will be a game-changer for Yamaha’s competitiveness, providing them with crucial data and development insights to propel their title fight in the upcoming 2025 season.
