MotoGP: Monster Energy Yamaha unveil new 2023 livery

Monster Energy Yamaha has unveiled its new 2023 MotoGP livery in a special presentation in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The traditional black and blue design has been given a makeover this year thanks to the addition of grey across the bike. The blue pinstripes have been replaced by bigger splashes of blue, which are mixed in alongside the splashes of grey to create a camouflage effect.

This design continues onto the front fairing, meaning there’s less black paint surround each rider’s number. Orange can also be found either side of the windscreen thanks to the team’s expanded Beta sponsorship deal.

Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli’s leathers have also been given a makeover to match the new design, whilst the teamwear has also been updated for 2023.

Quartararo is seeking to take the MotoGP crown back from Pecco Bagnaia and Ducati this season. Despite his heroic efforts in 2022, the Frenchman was unable to overcome the sizeable power difference between his M1 and the Desmocedici, as well as Ducati’s strength in numbers on the grid.

My winter break didn’t fully go as planned because I injured my hand during motocross training, but I’ve kept working non-stop,” Quartararo said. “I’ve done a lot of cardio to make sure I’m 100% fit for the 2023 season. My hand injury is fully recovered now too, so I feel ready to fight for the title again.

“We have the new camouflage livery, which is a nice change. I like the new look, and it’s good to switch it up a bit. But more importantly, I am looking forward to start riding again. I am very curious to test the 2023 YZR-M1 in Sepang. We will work hard this season, as we always do. We have learned a lot in 2022, and now I just want to fight for the title again.”

Meanwhile, 2023 could prove to be a pivotal year for Morbidelli. The Italian, who finished second overall in 2020, has struggled since returning from a serious knee injury he sustained during the 2021 season.

Morbidelli ended last season 19^th overall with just 32 points to his name. With other riders already being linked with Yamaha for 2024, Morbidelli will be hoping that he can return to top form once the season gets underway in March.

“We are making a fresh start today, with a new look,” Morbidelli said. “Everything has gone back to zero and anything is possible this season, so that is an exciting prospect. We’ve ended 2022 with an improved feeling. Now it’s important that we do a good job at the upcoming winter tests, so we will be ready to start the season in March with the first race in Portugal.

“There’s a new race format, which will take some getting used to for the riders and the teams, but I see it as a positive change because it’s something that the fans will enjoy. I want to thank the Indonesian fans who we saw at today’s dealer meeting for their support. Their enthusiasm has given us a boost, and I can’t wait to start the 2023 season in the best way possible.”

The big area for Yamaha to improve heading into the new season is top speed. Quartararo has been vocal in his pleas for a power boost, and was left disappointed with the performance of Yamaha’s new engine at the Valencia test last November.

Meanwhile, there are only two Yamaha riders on the grid this year following RNF Racing’s decision to switch to Aprilia. Yamaha is the only manufacturer to have a sole team, with Honda, Aprilia and KTM (Tech3 will be in GasGas colours) all running four bikes across two teams.

Yamaha are the first team to unveil its 2023 livery. Reigning champions Ducati will reveal their factory team’s new design alongside their World Superbike Championship counterparts in Italy on January 23. Before then, Gresini Racing Ducati will unveil their new livery on January 21.

The first MotoGP pre-season test of the year takes place at Sepang, starting with the Shakedown test on February 5-7 and the official test on February 10-12. The paddock then heads to Portimao for a two-day test on March 11-12.

The first round of the 2023 MotoGP season takes place at the Portuguese circuit on March 24-26.