MotoGP: Pramac Racing Team Says Bye Bye Ducati, Switches to Yamaha

Pramac Racing and Yamaha shook up the MotoGP world by announcing a multi-year partnership starting in the 2025 season. This ends Pramac Racing’s nearly 20-year alliance with Ducati. As a "second Factory Team" for Yamaha, Pramac will receive the latest factory-spec YZR-M1 bikes and Yamaha-contracted riders.

Why the Switch?

Official reasons haven't been revealed but reports suggest a breakdown in negotiations between Pramac Racing and Ducati. Ducati reportedly offered Pramac a two-year extension but with an expiration date in 2026. This might have been seen as restrictive by Pramac Racing. Additionally, Ducati's decision to prioritise Marc Marquez over Pramac's current leader Jorge Martin likely influenced Pramac Racing's choice.

Furthermore, Yamaha is likely to offer the bikes at no cost, at least to begin with. Currently, Pramac has to lease the bikes from the Bologna-based manufacturer, who is currently enjoying stellar success in the championship. This is a big monetary benefit for an independent team.

Yamaha's initial target was VR46, Valentino Rossi's team, but negotiations fell through. Pramac Racing then emerged as Yamaha's "plan B."

Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, highlights this new alliance with Pramac Racing as a key move in its championship aspirations. It will be supplying Pramac with top-of-the-line machinery and collaborating closely to refine its bikes even further. Paolo Campinoti, CEO of Pramac, acknowledges its fruitful history with Ducati but voices his enthusiasm for this fresh chapter with Yamaha. Both parties are geared up to achieve great things together.

This move strengthens Yamaha's presence on the grid in 2025 with potentially four competitive riders. Pramac Racing gains access to advanced Yamaha technology and rider support. The rider lineup is yet to be announced, but the upcoming 2025 season promises a fierce battle for MotoGP dominance with Yamaha as a stronger contender. Additionally, the partnership could lead to a future Moto2 development program for Yamaha.