Eyeing Aprilia? - Fabio Quartararo Set for Quick Contract Decision
Categories: MotoGP
Published: 22nd March 2024
Following a disappointing start to the 2024 season, Fabio Quartararo seems set for a move away from Yamaha. Is he eyeing an Aprilia seat?
Following the contract extensions of MotoGP world champion Pecco Bagnaia and the signing of teenager Fermin Aldeguer with Ducati, the anticipation for the 2025 transfer season has intensified.
Advisors are feeling the pressure as many top deals in the MotoGP field are set to expire by the end of 2024.
Fabio Quartararo, former World Champion, is currently facing intense contemplation, knowing that decisive contract decisions may be required swiftly.
He highlights the ongoing challenges with the 2024 M1 bike, emphasizing that despite improvements, it still lags behind the competition.
Discussing his team’s progress, Quartararo remarks: “We’re working well, but I also don’t expect us to go from 0 to 100 in three months from now.”
The Frenchman candidly expresses his stance on the rider market, stating: “As you know, we’re talking to several manufacturers. I can say that at the moment, I’m not in a bad situation.”
Looking ahead, Quartararo faces limited options, with Ducati presenting few prospects and KTM already boasting a strong lineup for the near future.
Should Quartararo seek improvement from 2025 onward, Aprilia emerges as the only viable option among the competitive MotoGP bikes.
With Aprilia’s current lineup of Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales, Quartararo recognizes the potential opportunity, especially considering that both rider contracts expire at the end of 2024.
Additionally, Aprilia’s anticipated collaboration with the Trackhouse team for 2025 adds further appeal.
The potential move to Aprilia garners significant interest not only from Quartararo but also from other riders like Enea Bastianini, who may need to reconsider their options at Ducati Corse should the bosses pick Jorge Martin as Bagnaia’s partner in the factory team.
