Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha’s leading MotoGP rider, has started exploring alternatives as the rider market intensifies ahead of the 2026 season. After a difficult season, Quartararo has expressed dissatisfaction with Yamaha’s performance and signaled that 2026 may be his final year with the Japanese team unless significant improvements are made.
The 2021 premier class world champion’s growing frustration has been visible throughout recent race weekends and in media interactions, prompting him to reconsider his future. Seeking a competitive bike capable of title contention, Quartararo has even approached rival teams, including a confidential visit to one of Yamaha’s competitors.
Agent Carlo Pernat Reveals Quartararo’s £4.4M Proposal to Aprilia
Carlo Pernat, a well-known MotoGP rider agent, shared key insights about Quartararo’s contract situation in a recent GPOne interview. Pernat disclosed that after the 2025 season, Aprilia initiated contact with Quartararo ahead of his Yamaha contract ending in 2026.
More notably, Pernat revealed that Quartararo personally visited Aprilia’s factory in Noale, Italy, to present his demands. The French rider reportedly requested a salary of €5 million (£4.4 million), despite Aprilia’s financial limitations compared to Yamaha.
“Or rather, Quartararo went to them and asked for €5m [£4.4m]. I don’t know if Aprilia is looking for him or not looking for him. But it’s something that’s up in the air.”
— Carlo Pernat, MotoGP Rider Agent
Pernat reaffirmed Quartararo’s engagement with Aprilia later, stating,
“Quartararo is in contact with Aprilia, that’s for sure. He went to Noale, you know?”
— Carlo Pernat, MotoGP Rider Agent
Potential Impact on Aprilia’s Rider Line-up and Jorge Martin’s Future
If Aprilia secures Quartararo for the 2027 season, it could alter the team’s rider dynamics significantly. This move might enable Jorge Martin to leave Aprilia and pursue an opportunity with Honda, a transfer he has sought since his contract issues surfaced last year.
Although Martin ultimately decided to stay with Aprilia, Honda remains open to negotiations. With Honda improving its performance, the team seeks a leading rider to guarantee consistent top results, making Martin a desirable candidate.
Meanwhile, Martin’s name is also being linked with Yamaha, which could set up competitive bids from both Japanese manufacturers. The pursuit of strong riders reflects the intensifying competition among MotoGP constructors aiming to build winning rosters.
Consequences for Yamaha and MotoGP’s Future Grid
Fabio Quartararo’s willingness to explore other teams underlines the pressure Yamaha faces to retain their star rider. The Frenchman’s potential departure would leave a significant gap for Yamaha, emphasizing the importance of their decisions in 2026.
For Aprilia, adding Quartararo could provide a much-needed boost in their pursuit of championship success and influence the broader MotoGP calendar through subsequent rider trades and negotiations.
As the 2026 season approaches, the outcomes of these contract discussions will likely reshape the MotoGP landscape, affecting team strategies and fan expectations across the sport.
