Yamaha - One Of MotoGP’s Most Successful Teams

Yamaha has had a long and successful history in MotoGP, dating back to the 1960s. More than any other manufacturer, the Japanese company has won 245 Grand Prix in the premier class (500cc and MotoGP). Yamaha has also won the MotoGP World Team Championship 7 times.

Yamaha's first MotoGP Team victory came in 1964, when their rider, Phil Read, won five back-to-back races - giving him the World Championship Title, too. Yamaha riders continued to win races throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and in 1975, Giacomo Agostini won the 500cc World Championship on a Yamaha. This was his 15th World Title.

Yamaha continued their success in the 1980s, with Eddie Lawson winning the 500cc World Championship in 1984 and coming second in 1985. In the 1990s, Yamaha riders such as Wayne Rainey and Kenny Roberts Jr. won multiple races and championships.

Wayne Rainey was a force to reckon with. He was on top of his game, and everyone else's, too. He won three consecutive World Titles from 1990-1992, and just missed out on his fourth in 1993, due to a sudden crash. But, the following season, he returned as the team manager. Wayne Rainey had tons of success, not only in the 500cc Championship but also in the AMA Superbike Championship.

In the 2000s, Yamaha continued to be a dominant team in MotoGP, with Valentino Rossi winning the World Championship on a Yamaha in 2004 and 2005. Followed by this, Yamaha won three consecutive Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Then, Jorge Lorenzo won his first World Championship with Yamaha in 2015 and Fabio Quartararo won the title in 2021.

In 2015, Yamaha not only won the Rider's World Championship but also the Constructors' Championship and Team Championship. Then, in 2016, they got themselves another trophy for winning the Team Championship.

Thoughts On Yamaha's MotoGP History

Yamaha is one of the most successful manufacturers in MotoGP history. They have won numerous Grand Prix victories under their belt, and 7 World Championships since 2002 (the year the premier class of motorcycle racing became MotoGP). Yamaha riders are known to be one of the most experienced, with their ability to come out on top no matter the condition.