Yamaha Motor is celebrating 70 years of engineering and racing excellence in true style — with a head-turning throwback livery for the 2025 Dutch GP at Assen. Both the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team will be donning bold, retro-inspired red-and-white paint schemes that pay tribute to the legendary 1999 Yamaha YZF-R7.
Unveiled on the starting grid at TT Circuit Assen ahead of race weekend, the one-off liveries are already turning heads in the paddock and online. It’s a nostalgic nod to Yamaha’s deep racing roots and a bold visual statement to mark this milestone anniversary.
A Flashback to 1999: Honoring the Iconic YZF-R7
The special livery draws inspiration from the red-and-white design made famous by Noriyuki Haga during his time on the YZF-R7 OW02 in the World Superbike Championship. Everything — from the race bikes to rider suits, helmets, gloves, and team apparel — has been styled to match that unforgettable look.
Riders Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Miguel Oliveira will take to the track in matching gear, channeling that late-’90s vibe while representing Yamaha in this meaningful tribute.
“We Are One” – Yamaha’s Message of Unity
Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio summed it up perfectly during the unveiling ceremony:
“Seeing both Yamaha MotoGP teams lined up together in matching liveries with the iconic YZF-R7 was more than just symbolic. It reflects our new strategy — stronger together, racing as one.”
With this year marking 70 years since Yamaha Motor was founded on July 1st, 1955, the company is pulling out all the stops to celebrate what it calls a “Spirit of Challenge” — a mindset that’s carried the brand to 39 Rider Titles, 37 Constructor Titles, and 7 Team Titles in world championship road racing.
Riders Weigh In: Excitement in the Air
Both factory Yamaha riders were clearly thrilled with the anniversary setup:
Fabio Quartararo:
“It’s such a cool livery and definitely makes this weekend more special. Racing in these colours adds extra excitement — I’m really looking forward to Sunday.”
Alex Rins:
“It’s a big moment for Yamaha, and having the full kit — leathers, boots, gloves, helmet — styled to match makes it even better. I hope the fans love it as much as we do.”
What to Expect on Sunday at Assen
With Yamaha taking center stage at the Cathedral of Speed, fans can expect more than just a tribute. The 70th anniversary weekend promises plenty of fanfare, historical highlights, and hopefully some top-tier racing action from Quartararo, Rins, and the entire Yamaha squad.
Whether you’re a lifelong Yamaha fan or just love a good retro livery, this celebration at Assen is one of the coolest moments of the 2025 MotoGP season so far.
