MotoGP: Yamaha unveil title contender

Yamaha has unveiled their 2023 MotoGP bike with a camouflaged livery at the team launch in Indonesia.

The Japanese manufacturer took to stage to show off their new livery with their riders Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli. The Yamaha squad is looking to regain the MotoGP championship in 2023, after missing out to Ducati.

The factory Yamaha team will be the only team on the grid to use the Yamaha this season. This is due to RNF switching to Aprilia for 2023, leaving Yamaha with two fewer riders to help develop the bike.

2022 was a tough season for Yamaha, with only Quartararo managing to get on the podium. Fabio would finish second in the championship, taking three race wins and eight podiums throughout 2022.

His teammate Morbidelli had a tough season, with a best result of 10^th in the final round in Valencia. The Italian has not had a win since the 2020 season when he switched to the factory team midseason.

Yamaha will also use this camouflage livery in their factory motocross and supercross programmes.

Fabio Quartararo said: “My winter break didn’t fully go as planned because I injured my hand during motocross training. But I’ve kept working non-stop. I’ve done a lot of cardio to make sure I’m 100% fit for the 2023 season. My hand injury is fully recovered now too, so I feel ready to fight for the title again. 

“We have the new camouflage livery, which is a nice change. I like the new look, and it’s good to switch it up a bit. But more importantly, I am looking forward to start riding again. I am very curious to test the 2023 YZR-M1 in Sepang. 

“We will work hard this season, as we always do. We have learned a lot in 2022, and now I just want to fight for the title again. My fans have been very supportive, sending me lots of messages over the winter. I’m excited to see them at the tracks again this season. We will have some fun!”

Franco Morbidelli added: “We are making a fresh start today, with a new look. Everything has gone back to zero and anything is possible this season, so that is an exciting prospect. We’ve ended 2022 with an improved feeling. 

“Now it’s important that we do a good job at the upcoming winter tests, so we will be ready to start the season in March with the first race in Portugal. There’s a new race format, which will take some getting used to for the riders and the teams, but I see it as a positive change because it’s something that the fans will enjoy. 

“I want to thank the Indonesian fans who we saw at today’s dealer meeting for their support. Their enthusiasm has given us a boost, and I can’t wait to start the 2023 season in the best way possible.”

Image from motogp.com