Quartararo: Yamaha MotoGP satellite team “must be an extension of the factory”

The Japanese marque has been without a customer outfit since the end of the 2022 season, when the former RNF squad elected to sign a multi-year deal with Aprilia.

In recent years, the importance of strong satellite structures has become a key element for a manufacturer’s success in MotoGP – spearheaded chiefly by Ducati.

Currently, Ducati factory-backed Pramac leads the riders’ standings with Jorge Martin in 2024, while much of KTM’s success in the first three rounds has come courtesy of Tech3’s Pedro Acosta.

Securing a new satellite structure is now outgoing Yamaha team boss Lin Jarvis’ primary focus, having recently secured 2021 world champion Quartararo to a new contract.

Asked about this on Thursday ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Quartararo has stressed that any satellite Yamaha team must be fully supported by the factory and not simply be a paying customer.

“It’s really important,” he said.

“We are – Yamaha and also myself – are working really hard to have a satellite team.

Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

“I think that it’s really important, especially if you check how many laps we can do in the pre-season.

“If you check the number of laps we did compared to Ducati, it’s completely different and you can test many things, but also have the comments of more riders.

“So, this is really important and I think to have… I wouldn’t even say a satellite team.

“For me, it must be an extension of the factory team.

“They must have factory bikes, factory support and I think it’s important for the riders.

“In the end, the rider you have close to you with the same bike is your first rival.

“But if you have three more, it gives you even more motivation and I think you can even learn more from the others.”

It is thought that Yamaha has been in talks with several teams about 2025, including VR46 and Pramac.

However, VR46 team director Uccio Salucci recently told Autosport that it was likely to remain with Ducati.