Alex Hofmann: “There is no option for Fabio Quartararo” / MotoGP

With the extension of the partnership between Fabio Quartararo and the Yamaha factory team announced yesterday, the medium-term future of another great pilot has been clarified. Alex Hofmann, a ServusTV expert and himself part of the carousel of drivers in the MotoGP paddock for years, sees no alternative for the Frenchman to stay at Yamaha and it is mainly about the overall structure in the paddock.

Alex Hofmann told SPEEDWEEK’s editorial team: “Actually, there was no real option for Fabio Quartararo. Pedro Acosta is also not insignificant. His arrival at KTM has already caused turmoil and tension in the market among the major teams. Added to this is the position of Marc Márquez. Which means, as of today, all positions for both manufacturers are currently occupied by the best bikes.

The former GP driver continues his mental tour of the pit lane: “Honda is currently not an option for Fabio. So Aprilia would still remain as an alternative among the factory teams. Of course, a move to the Italians would be possible, but I think there was two reasons against him. On the one hand, Aprilia will have a hard time offering the same salary as Yamaha, and on the other hand, my feeling is that Jorge Martin can succeed his friend and coach colleague Aleix Espargaro in RS-GP.

Alex Hofmann also believes the role of management is the reason: “It should be forgotten that Aleix and Jorge have the same manager, Albert Valera (the Spaniard also has the superstar Acosta under contract) and if Espargaro ends his career, Valera at least puts his foot in the door of Aprilia to Jorge Martin.

Apart from the non-grip seats on the Desmosedici and RC16 and the limited Aprilia option, Hofmann also emphasizes the value behind Yamaha’s plan: “It’s not as if Yamaha is completely off the mark. Yamaha wants to be competitive and they need Fabio to do that. You will continue to pay well. So staying is not an emergency solution for Fabio.”

Finally, the ServusTV expert says before the US Grand Prix: “The truth is that the transfer market has become more difficult. Because there are only good buyers, but only a few places on the most powerful motorcycles. And it is also clear that all pilots want the best bike!