In the Spanish MotoGP paddock, it’s widely assumed that Gresini will align with Yamaha.
Yamaha is now being astonishingly associated with acquiring the Gresini team.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, there’s a growing expectation in the Jerez paddock during this weekend’s Spanish MotoGP that Yamaha’s quest for a new satellite team will lead them to Gresini.
This potential move would imply that Marc Marquez would need to seek out a new team and bike in 2025, as he would not follow Gresini to Yamaha.
Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis is cited in the report, stating, “From next year, there will be two more Yamaha M1s on the grid, and a satellite team will be responsible for them. I can’t disclose the team’s name, but rest assured that the objective of having four Yamaha riders will be accomplished.”
This development is particularly striking because Yamaha had previously been strongly linked with Ducati’s other two satellite teams, VR46 and Pramac.
Reportedly, VR46 declined Yamaha’s offer despite the association with Valentino Rossi.
Additionally, Pramac had been reportedly engaged in “advanced talks” to join Yamaha next year, as reported by Speedweek.
In a surprising development, Gino Borsoi, the Pramac team manager, was seen “smiling mischievously” when questioned about the potential link between Yamaha and Gresini in the Jerez paddock.
Reports suggest that Gresini possesses a release clause in their contract with Ducati, requiring any new suitor to buy them out.
However, Yamaha has showcased its financial strength by securing Fabio Quartararo with a new contract, making him the highest-paid MotoGP rider. This move came at a time when Quartararo seemed inclined to seek a more competitive bike.
With a desire to expand their presence in MotoGP, Yamaha has been eager to add a satellite team to their roster for 2025, aiming to benefit from increased data.
While there had been assumptions that VR46 or Pramac might make the move, unexpectedly, it appears that Gresini is now in line.
As a result, Pramac and VR46 are anticipated to secure new deals to remain with Ducati.
This shift in the landscape of MotoGP would have a ripple effect on the rider market, particularly concerning Marc Marquez. Marquez has expressed his desire for a factory bike in 2025 and emphasized that “all doors are open.”
However, it’s unlikely that Marquez would follow Gresini to Yamaha, leaving other teams with the opportunity to pursue him.
Stay tuned with We4GP for more news.
