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Yamaha reveals 2024 MotoGP livery ahead of Sepang test
During a presentation in Malaysia, 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo and new Yamaha recruit Alex Rins unveiled the paint scheme for their bikes this year. The blue-and-black color scheme is a continuation of the design introduced in 2019 when Monster Energy became the title sponsor of Yamaha Factory Racing. Yamaha is facing a crucial year in 2024 as they aim to improve on a winless MotoGP campaign last season. Quartararo expressed his belief that Yamaha has only achieved a small performance boost with the engine, which has been a weak point for the M1 in recent years. Although Yamaha has made improvements to the aerodynamics, Quartararo acknowledges that they still have a long way to go to catch up with their rivals. Yamaha, along with Honda, has been given increased development and testing freedom to bridge the gap with Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. The pressure is on Yamaha to perform as Quartararo enters the final year of his contract, and they have been working to bring a more European mentality to the team. They have hired ex-Formula 1 engine chief Luca Marmorini and replaced Franco Morbidelli with Rins. Yamaha will be the only manufacturer on the grid without a satellite outfit, as RNF has defected to Aprilia. The Yamaha M1 will be tested at Sepang before the 2024 season opens in Qatar.
