Yamaha have already been contacting possible Fabio Quartararo replacement for ‘over a year’

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Yamaha must find a replacement after franchise rider Fabio Quartararo reportedly opted to join Honda for the 2027 season. Quartararo has raced for the factory team since 2021.

El Diablo made his debut for Yamaha satellite team SRT in 2019 then graduated to the factory squad two years later. He immediately won the championship after a battle with Francesco Bagnaia.

Quartararo led the standings by 34 points after winning the 2022 German GP, but that remains his last victory for Yamaha. Bagnaia fought back to win the title and gain his revenge.

Wow! Did you see this one coming?

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Ahead of his final season, Quartararo’s record for the factory team stands at eight wins, 11 pole positions and 22 podiums. He was by far their best performer last year, scoring 201 points to finish ninth in the standings while the other three M1 riders managed 190 combined.

Yamaha ‘dream’ of signing Francesco Bagnaia to replace Fabio Quartararo

Even before the Quartararo story broke, MOW reported that Yamaha are working on a ‘dream’ move for Bagnaia. They have been ‘knocking on his door’ with a ‘significant’ offer for ‘over a year’.

On Wednesday, the same outlet added that Bagnaia is ‘increasingly close’ to Yamaha, so it seems that Paolo Pavesio may be making progress.

Bagnaia could lose his Ducati seat to Pedro Acosta, with growing indications that the Spaniard will fill the seat next to Marc Marquez.

The double world champion’s struggles last season were well documented, but Yamaha clearly believe they can unlock the version of Bagnaia that fought Quartararo for the top prize.

Could Valentino Rossi play a role in Francesco Bagnaia joining Yamaha?

Bagnaia is part of the VR46 stable, which could be significant in determining his future.

Valentino Rossi has just signed another commercial deal with Yamaha and is reportedly in talks over buying their bikes for VR46 for 2027.

While Bagnaia won’t join Rossi’s satellite team, it wouldn’t be a surprise if his name has already come up in negotiations between The Doctor and Yamaha.

Previously resistant to the idea, Bagnaia’s stance on leaving Ducati has softened based on his comments at last week’s launch. Perhaps he could choose to jump before he is pushed.