Fabio Quartararo has inked a lucrative deal with Yamaha, making him the highest-paid rider in MotoGP.
According to Motorsport, Quartararo’s new contract with Yamaha extends until 2026 and includes a substantial basic salary of approximately €12 million per year.
This figure surpasses the earnings of other top riders, including reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, whose salary is reportedly less than half of Quartararo’s.
While MotoGP contracts typically feature performance-based bonuses for race and title wins, Quartararo’s base income alone exceeds what Bagnaia would earn even with championship bonuses.
Previously, Marc Marquez held the title of the highest-paid MotoGP rider until he departed from his €20 million-per-season contract with Honda.
Yamaha’s significant offer to retain Quartararo highlights their commitment to securing top talent for the future.
Despite Yamaha’s recent performance struggles compared to dominant teams like Ducati, Quartararo’s decision to stay with the team underscores his confidence in their potential to improve.
The renewal of Quartararo’s contract is a crucial step for Yamaha, complemented by the recruitment of experienced Ducati engineers and the potential benefits of new concessions rules.
While Yamaha may face challenges in reclaiming the title, Quartararo’s commitment ensures the team’s competitiveness for at least the next two years, albeit at a substantial cost.
