RiderTua.com – Yamaha has announced a contract extension with fantastic value for Fabio Quartararo until the end of 2026. According to Alex Hofmann, a MotoGP observer, there is no alternative for the French rider other than to stay at Yamaha and especially referring to the entire team in the paddock. Or is the threat of leaving a strategy to increase salaries?
Hofmann said, “Actually, there is no ‘real’ option for Fabio Quartararo. Pedro Acosta is also an equally important factor. His arrival at KTM has caused turmoil and a tight market among the top teams. Plus the position of Marc Marquez. This means , currently all positions at both manufacturers are occupied by the best motorbikes at the moment.”
Alex Hofmann : Stuck! Staying at Yamaha because there are no other options for Fabio Quartararo
Alex Hofmann further explained that currently Honda is not an option for Fabio. So Aprilia will remain an alternative among factory teams. Of course, a move to an Italian team could happen, but according to him there are two reasons preventing it. On the one hand, Aprilia will have difficulty offering a salary equivalent to Yamaha and on the other hand, Jorge Martin could possibly replace his friend and training partner Aleix Espargaro at RS-GP.
The former rider also believes that the role of management is a factor. “Don’t forget that Aleix and Jorge have the same manager, namely Albert Valera (also the manager of rookie Pedro Acosta) and if Espargaro’s career ends, at least Valera will negotiate with Aprilia for Jorge Martin,” added Hoffman.
Despite the unavailability of seats on the Desmosedici and RC16 and limited Aprilia options, Hofmann also emphasized the value behind the deal with Yamaha. According to him, Yamaha has not completely abandoned this action. Yamaha wants to be competitive and they need Quartararo to do it. They will continue to pay well for it. So surviving is not an emergency solution for El Diablo.
Now the rider transfer market has become more difficult. Because there are only really good riders, but there are only limited places on the most powerful bikes. And it is also clear that all riders want the best motorbike! concluded Alex Hoffman.
