Red and white YZF-R7 paintwork unites Yamaha’s factory and satellite MotoGP teams for a one-off tribute at Assen’s 100th Grand Prix
Yamaha Motor is celebrating 70 years of engineering and motorsport heritage in style, unveiling a nostalgic one-off livery for both of its MotoGP teams at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix in Assen.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team will run unified red-and-white colour schemes across their bikes, rider gear, and team outfits on Sunday. The special anniversary design is inspired by the 1999 YZF-R7, a machine that became iconic in the hands of riders like Noriyuki Haga in the World Superbike Championship.
The retro look was revealed on Friday evening on the TT Circuit Assen starting grid, where all four Yamaha riders — Fabio Quartararo, Álex Rins, Jack Miller, and Miguel Oliveira — appeared in Haga-inspired gear to showcase the full celebratory kit.
The Dutch GP is a fitting backdrop for the occasion, with Assen itself marking its 100th Grand Prix this year, reinforcing the nod to racing history as Yamaha’s factory and satellite teams come together under a single visual identity.
Fabio Quartararo
“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.”
Álex Rins
“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.”
Jack Miller
“These colours are very special for Yamaha, and being part of this celebration is truly amazing. The bike always looks fantastic, but these red and white colours are iconic when you think of Yamaha‘s racing history — from Ago‘s championship in 1975 to the triumphs of Kenny Roberts and other legendary champions. Racing with these colours brings a huge sense of pride, and there‘s no better place to wear them than at Assen, which is also celebrating its 100th race. On top of that, for me it‘s the perfect preview to also race in red and white for the 8 Hours of Suzuka in just a few weeks.”
Miguel Oliveira
“Racing here at Assen in these colours is both an honour and a privilege, considering the incredible history Yamaha has written over the years. Seventy years is a remarkable milestone, and when you think of the riders who have competed — and won — on a Yamaha, it truly gives you goosebumps. The bike‘s livery is stunning; it reflects a past that continues to shape this brand in the present and, hopefully, into a great future. Being even a small part of this epic story is something truly special for me.”
The 70th anniversary moment has also been used to highlight Yamaha’s evolving MotoGP strategy, with its factory and satellite teams now working more closely than ever. Friday’s joint livery launch served as both a visual tribute and a message of unity on the global stage.
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 MotoGP World 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.”
Paolo Campinoti, Team Principal, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
“It is a tremendous honor for me and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team to be part of Yamaha Motor’s 70th-anniversary celebrations, a brand that has written unforgettable chapters in the history of motorcycle racing. Our adventure with Yamaha began only a few months ago, but right from the start, the atmosphere and collaboration with the Iwata-based manufacturer have been outstanding. There is constant synergy and exchange between Prima Pramac Yamaha and Monster Energy Yamaha, and we are already starting to see the first positive results.
“Seeing four YZR-M1 machines on track this weekend, all sporting the same stunning special livery inspired by the 1999 YZR-R7, perfectly reflects the strength of the ‘Blue Shift’ that unites us with Yamaha Motor. Finally, kicking off the 70th-anniversary celebrations on a historic and iconic track like Assen, which itself is celebrating 100 years, will make Sunday‘s event even more magical and unforgettable.”
Yamaha’s anniversary plans continue throughout the 2024 season, but for fans, this weekend’s Dutch GP offers a rare chance to see the brand’s history and legacy brought vividly to life on the current MotoGP grid.
