Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has officially confirmed that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team at the conclusion of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, bringing an end to two significant partnerships in the Japanese manufacturer’s premier-class programme.
The announcement marks the closing chapter of Quartararo’s remarkable eight-year journey with Yamaha, while Rins will also move on after three seasons of contributing to the development of the YZR-M1 project.
Quartararo joined Yamaha’s factory MotoGP project in 2019 and rapidly established himself as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
During his time with the Japanese manufacturer, the Frenchman delivered one of the most successful periods in Yamaha’s modern MotoGP history, collecting 11 Grand Prix victories, 32 podium finishes, and, most notably, securing the 2021 MotoGP World Championship, becoming Yamaha’s first premier-class world champion since Jorge Lorenzo in 2015.
Beyond the statistics, Quartararo became one of the championship’s most popular riders and a central figure in Yamaha’s global racing identity.
Alex Rins joined the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team in 2024, bringing valuable race-winning experience to the factory programme.
Although victories proved elusive during his Yamaha tenure, the Spaniard played an important role behind the scenes, contributing technical knowledge, consistent feedback and determination that supported the ongoing development of the YZR-M1.
His experience proved instrumental as Yamaha worked to improve the competitiveness of its MotoGP package.
Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio paid tribute to both riders while thanking them for their professionalism and commitment throughout their respective tenures.
“Fabio and Alex have both played an important role in Yamaha’s MotoGP project, and we are very grateful for their efforts, dedication, and collaboration over the years.”
Pavesio described Quartararo’s legacy as one that extends far beyond race results.
“Fabio’s journey with Yamaha spans eight years, during which we have shared both great successes and difficult moments. Together, we have grown, celebrated achievements that have shaped our story, and faced challenges that have strengthened us.”
“Beyond the results, it is this journey that defines our relationship, and in the end, Fabio will always remain one of the true legends of Yamaha MotoGP.”
He also praised Rins for his significant contribution to Yamaha’s technical progress.
“Since joining Yamaha in 2024, Alex has brought valuable experience, meaningful insight, and unwavering commitment, playing an important role in the YZR-M1 project’s development.”
Despite confirming the departures well before the end of the season, Yamaha stressed that both riders remain fully committed to the team’s objectives for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
Pavesio emphasised that the shared goal is to finish their partnership on a high note.
“While saying goodbye is never easy after years together, we remain fully focused on working as a team to achieve the best possible results until the end of the season.”
With the rider market now set for another major shake-up ahead of 2027, attention will inevitably turn to Yamaha’s future line-up.
For now, however, Quartararo and Rins will continue chasing success in blue as they look to close their Yamaha chapters with memorable performances before embarking on the next stage of their MotoGP careers.
Credit Photo : Yamaha MotoGP
