MotoGP: Yamaha Reveals 2024 Season Livery with Indian Flag Colours Ahead of Upcoming Sepang Test

Yamaha has revealed the livery for its 2024 MotoGP contender ahead of the inaugural full-fledged pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit. Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 champion, and Alex Rins, the newest Yamaha rider, gave an exclusive look at the unique paint job that will be on their bikes this season during a presentation in Malaysia on Monday. The blue-and-black colour combination is an extension of the look that was first seen on the M1 in 2019 when  Monster Energy secured the title sponsorship of Yamaha Factory Racing. Notably, the livery has a slight representation of the Indian tricolour and features the "Call of the Blue" campaign.

This year takes on more importance for Yamaha as the Japanese manufacturer prepares for the 2024 season. After suffering its first winless MotoGP campaign in 20 years last season, Yamaha is determined to turn things around and get back on track this season.

MotoGP: Yamaha's 2023 Season

New technical concessions are in store for the following season for both Yamaha (ranked fourth) and Honda (ranked fifth), who finished last in the constructors' standings in 2023. Some of the concessions include making an exception to the engine design freeze, providing more opportunities for aerodynamic development, allowing six wild cards, and offering private testing with race riders as an option.

With Quartararo clocking in at number fourth fastest (+0.249s) and Rins at number seven (+0.354s), it was clear that these allowances were being used at the recent Sepang Shakedown, which was held before the official test. 

When developing their motors for 2024, Yamaha sought the input of Luca Marmorini, a former head of engines for Formula 1. This strategic partnership is part of a larger effort to bring a more European viewpoint to the primarily Japanese spirit of the brand.

MotoGP: Whats New in 2024 M1 prototype

Yamaha spent months developing the 2024 prototype, but riders' preliminary reactions at last year's Misano and Valencia tests were, to put it mildly, unsatisfactory.  The French rider conceded that Yamaha still has a long way to go before it can be considered competitive, even though he did acknowledge the M1's improved aerodynamics. Nonetheless, his overall assessment of the bike was unsatisfactory. As part of MotoGP's new concessions structure, manufacturers like Yamaha and Honda have been given more leeway in terms of research and testing. As a result, the brand should be able to catch up to its European competitors like Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM.

Quartararo and Rins will be doing further testing at Losail later this month, and the Yamaha M1 will be on display during the official pre-season test in Sepang from 6-8 February. On 10 March, the 2024 season will kick off at the Qatar venue.