This weekend at the Grand Prix of the Netherlands, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP will be celebrating Yamaha Motor‘s 70th anniversary.
As part of the festivities, the two MotoGP teams will be running a one-off livery on the Grand Prix of the Netherlands Sunday. The media already got a sneak preview when the colour schemes – including the bikes, rider gear, and team clothing – were revealed on the TT Circuit Assen starting grid today at 18:30 local time (GMT+2).
The special livery that both Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP will be donning on Sunday is inspired by the iconic red and white colours used for the 1999 YZF-R7.
Fabio Quartararo, Álex Rins, Jack Miller, and Miguel Oliveira drew inspiration from Noriyuki Haga’s 1999 gear (when he was riding the World Superbike Championship YZF-R7 OW02) for their own racing attire at the Dutch GP.
PAOLO PAVESIO, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing:
“Today marked a truly symbolic moment as both of Yamaha‘s MotoGP teams united on the grid, showcasing the four MotoGP bikes alongside the iconic 1999 YZF-R7. The powerful visual of the two teams becoming one by using the same livery represents more than just a shared track presence – it reflects our, as of this year, new strategic mindset: we are one and stronger together.
“July 1st, known as ‘Yamaha Day’, marks the founding of Yamaha Motor – a moment we celebrate with pride each year. This year, the occasion holds even greater significance as we commemorate Yamaha’s 70th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in our journey of engineering excellence and motorsports heritage.
“Throughout these seven decades, Yamaha has celebrated numerous achievements across all levels of racing. In the World Road Racing Championship alone, Yamaha has earned 39 Rider Titles, 37 Constructor Titles, and 7 Team Titles – a testament to our enduring competitiveness and innovation on the world stage. However, beyond the trophies and titles, Yamaha’s most defining attribute is its unwavering passion for racing and its ‘Spirit of Challenge’ mindset.
“To kick off this celebration of Yamaha’s racing heritage, the company has chosen the Dutch GP as the stage for its two MotoGP teams to pay a special tribute. As part of our global 70th anniversary celebrations, both teams will race with one-off liveries that pay homage to a legendary chapter in Yamaha’s history.
“This 70th anniversary design is inspired by the 1999 YZF-R7 – a machine that captured the imagination of fans worldwide. This commemorative livery not only honours a notable moment in Yamaha’s legacy but also offers fans something truly special to look forward to this Sunday at Assen.”
FABIO QUARTARARO, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider:
“Today we were allowed to show the livery we’re racing with this Sunday to celebrate Yamaha’s 70th anniversary. The special colour scheme is nice, and I think it will make this Grand Prix weekend even more memorable. It adds a bit of extra excitement.”
ALEX RINS, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider:
“This GP is a special occasion for Yamaha, and having a fresh livery is always nice! We went all out again matching the leathers, boots, gloves, and helmet to the livery, and I really like the overall look! I hope that the fans also like it.”