Yamaha Faces Major Setback in Satellite Team Acquisition as Pramac Leans Towards Ducati After Le Mans Shift

Yamaha is labeled as the major casualty with no alternative strategy in the battle to secure a satellite team. Pramac's destiny remains uncertain, yet an event at Le Mans apparently altered the situation…

According to reports, Yamaha is set to lose the opportunity to secure a satellite team for the upcoming season, a move that was highly anticipated.

Following the agreement with top racer Fabio Quartararo on a lucrative new deal, the Japanese maker has focused on expanding their lineup by introducing two additional motorcycles for 2025.

Yamaha faced an unforeseen rejection from VR46, despite the shared connection with Valentino Rossi.

Their focus shifted towards Pramac, and they are currently awaiting a response following the submission of a compelling proposal.

However, an event unfolded at Le Mans the previous weekend, as reported by Motorsport, that significantly boosted Pramac's likelihood of continuing their partnership with Ducati from a mere 50-50 to an impressive 95%.

A representative from Yamaha stated, "VR46 was our initial choice, however, we were unable to persuade them.

"Thus, our alternative strategy involves Pramac, and we are optimistic they will agree to the proposal we've presented to them."

However, Yamaha also conceded, "We do not have an alternative strategy."

"We remain optimistic that Pramac will find our proposal appealing and agree to it. If not, we currently lack a backup plan."

Yamaha is expected to emerge as the major casualty in this continuing drama, finding themselves limited to only two motorcycles in the MotoGP roster for 2025.

Pramac has until the end of July to inform Ducati if they will exercise an option in their agreement to continue their partnership for an additional two years.

Should Pramac opt to remain, they anticipate continuing to have access to bikes with factory specifications.

However, it is said that Paolo Campinoti considered Yamaha's proposal due to the rivalry between Pramac and VR46 under the Ducati umbrella.

He lacked faith in his team's capacity to maintain their position at Ducati beyond 2026, following the introduction of the new MotoGP rules.

Campinoti was giving serious thought to the proposition of moving to Yamaha in the following year.

It now appears increasingly unlikely to occur.

Ducati is meticulously managing this matter among their affiliate teams concerning their major rider selection.

Enea Bastianini, Jorge Martin, and Marc Marquez are all vying for the 2025 factory motorcycle.

An alternative option for Bastianini or Marquez might be joining Pramac, assuming they continue their partnership with Ducati.

However, should they fail to do so, the choices available to the riders would significantly shift.

In the meantime, Yamaha will have to face a delay in their plans for comeback. The decision to include a satellite team was apparently "one of the reasons" that persuaded Quartararo to agree to a new contract.

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