MotoGP: Quartararo Commits to Yamaha with New Deal, What's next for Aprilia?

After a challenging season marked by fierce competition from European rivals, Yamaha's recent two-year contract extension with Fabio Quartararo marks a significant victory for the team. Quartararo's journey with the Japanese manufacturer has seen its share of highs and lows. While he clinched the world championship in 2021 with Yamaha, subsequent years were more tumultuous. The threat from Ducati's improving performance nearly almost denied him a second title in 2022. Additionally, in 2023, Yamaha found itself trailing behind KTM and Aprilia, presenting further obstacles for Quartararo.

Nevertheless, Quartararo has reiterated his allegiance to Yamaha, showcasing his belief in the team's revamped strategies and internal enhancements. Despite speculations hinting at a potential departure in 2025, Quartararo has opted to remain with Yamaha. According to Motorsport, he has now become the highest-paid MotoGP rider, surpassing Marc Marquez, who departed Honda before the conclusion of his €20-million-per-season contract.

MotoGP: What's Next for Aprilia?

There had been a lot of speculation that Aprilia was trying to hire Fabio Quartararo, but now that Yamaha has extended his contract, the team has to decide how to move forward with the rider market and the MotoGP season in 2024. While Aprilia couldn't get Quartararo, they have the opportunity to improve their competitiveness. Before they look at other rider options, they need to make the RS-GP more reliable. 

Aprilia might benefit from Jorge Martin's potential departure from Pramac if he doesn't join Ducati. Assuming that Martin switches to Ducati, Enea Bastianini wouldn't have a team to ride for. Yamaha's commitment to Quartararo limits the team's ability to pursue Martin or Bastianini, which could open up opportunities for Aprilia. Marco Bezzecchi was identified by Aprilia's team manager, Massimo Rivola, as a possible recruit. Aprilia's future will depend on their motorcycle's performance and reliability in the upcoming races. 

As of now, Aprilia's official riders are Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales, while Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez represent the satellite team Trackhouse on almost identical bikes. Espargaro, 34, is the oldest rider on the grid. Espargaro could get a one-year contract extension if Aprilia's performance improves and his results confirm his worth.