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Why is Pramac switching to Yamaha?

Published in MotoGP Team Movements 3 mins read

Pramac is switching to Yamaha primarily to secure a long-term partnership and gain access to full factory-spec machinery, significantly elevating their status within the MotoGP paddock.

Strategic Advantages for Pramac

The decision for Prima Pramac Racing to transition from Ducati to Yamaha from 2025 onwards is driven by several key strategic advantages that promise enhanced stability and performance for the Italian outfit. This move comes as Yamaha seeks to re-establish a strong satellite presence after operating without one for the past two seasons, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Long-Term Security and Stability

A crucial factor in Pramac's decision is the security of a seven-year contract with Yamaha. This extensive agreement provides an unparalleled level of long-term stability in the highly competitive and often unpredictable world of MotoGP. Such a prolonged commitment allows the team to:

  • Plan Strategically: Invest in infrastructure, personnel development, and long-term research without immediate concerns about future partnerships.
  • Attract Talent: Offer riders and technical staff a secure environment, making Pramac an attractive proposition.
  • Build Consistency: Develop a consistent performance baseline over multiple seasons, fostering continuous improvement.

Access to Full Factory-Spec Machinery

Under the new agreement, Pramac will receive full factory bikes from Yamaha. This is a significant upgrade, as it means their riders will be competing with the same cutting-edge machinery as Yamaha's official factory team. This level of equipment access is vital for competitive performance and typically includes:

  • Latest Technology: Access to the most recent engine specifications, chassis developments, and aerodynamic packages.
  • Direct Support: Closer technical support and development input from the factory engineers.
  • Performance Parity: The potential for greater performance parity with the top factory teams on the grid.

Elevated Team Status and Integration

The deal positions Pramac not merely as a traditional "satellite" team, but rather as an extension of the full Yamaha works team. This integrated approach implies a deeper collaboration and potentially shared resources, moving beyond the typical customer team relationship. This could lead to:

  • Closer Technical Collaboration: More direct and frequent exchanges with Yamaha's factory technical department.
  • Shared Development Goals: Aligning development priorities more closely with the factory team to maximize overall brand performance.
  • Increased Influence: A greater voice in the strategic direction and future development of the Yamaha M1 prototype.

This comprehensive package of long-term security, top-tier machinery, and an elevated partnership status makes the switch to Yamaha a highly strategic move for Prima Pramac Racing, aiming to boost their competitiveness and ensure their future in MotoGP.

For further details on this significant shift in the MotoGP paddock, you can refer to reports from reputable motorsport news outlets like Motorsport.com.