As it happened: Petronas Yamaha 2020 MotoGP team launch

Ahead of tomorrow’s Sepang pre-season test, Petronas Yamaha SRT are unveiling their 2020 MotoGP colours with Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli.

The Sepang-based team stunned MotoGP in 2019 by storming to both the independent riders’ and teams’ titles in its maiden season in the premier class. Rookie of the year Quartararo claimed seven podiums and six pole positions for Petronas Yamaha as he became the sport’s newest star.

Following a busy winter for the team, Petronas Yamaha is set to reveal its 2020 team colours and new YZR-M1 livery which is expected to stay true to the familiar black, teal and silver combination of its title sponsor.

The team goes into the new season with an unaltered rider combination of Quartararo and Morbidelli, but Yamaha has already confirmed it will change for 2021 with the French rider signed up to the factory team from next year.

With a two-year Yamaha factory contract freshly inked, Quartararo is preparing for his final season at Petronas Yamaha and as a satellite rider in MotoGP.

Going in the opposite direction to Quartararo to join Petronas Yamaha could be nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.

Yamaha has already guaranteed him a full factory M1 if he decides to continue racing in 2021, meaning he would likely swap places with the French rider as MotoGP factory teams are only permitted to two official entries. Maverick Vinales has already been retained as a factory Yamaha rider until 2022.

On the other side of the SRT garage, Morbidelli’s current deal expires at the end of this season.

The Sepang pre-season test takes place on February 7-9.