In Katar werden diese Woche die MotoGP-Testfahrten fortgesetzt – dafür bietet Yamaha eine ansehnliche, historisch wertvolle Lackierung für Testfahrer Cal Crutchlow auf. Die Japaner beteiligen sich seit 60 Jahren im GP-Sport, dieser Anlass wird zelebriert mit diesem Lackkleid, dass einen Mix aus frühen Jahren und dem typischem Speedblock-Design der Siebziger Jahre (erst auf gelbem, später auf weissem Grund) darstellt. Yamahas Engagement begann 1961, als ein Team mit fünf Fahrern zum GP-Debüt nach Europa flog, darunter Fumio Ito und Taneharu Nogushi, mit einer 250er Zweizylinder (RD48) und einer 125er Einzylinder-Werksmaschine (RA41). Das erste Rennen war der französische GP in Clermont-Ferrand, der dritte GP des Jahres.
Hiroshi Ito, General Manager, motorsport development: »We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our fans, sponsors and suppliers for their support and the constant passion, and to the many riders and predecessors who have strived so dedicatedly for amazing achievements together during our 60 years of participation in the Road Racing World Championship. Since last year, Covid-19 infections have raged and affected the world greatly. The situation is still severe. Against this backdrop we announced in February that we will continue to participate in the World Championship for five further years, from 2022 to 2026. The WGP 60th anniversary coloured YZR-M1 means more than just a milestone and a look back at the footsteps of our forerunners. It is a sign of our determination to have a passion second to none, believe in the power of motorsports and deliver excitement to the world.«
Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha MotoGP Testrider: »I‘m honoured to have been chosen to ride the special WGP YZR-M1 with the 60th-anniversary livery today to pay tribute to the hard work of so many Yamaha riders and employees over these last 60 years. The bike is striking! The MotoGP paddock without Yamaha is unimaginable now – they are key players thanks to the shared vision and dedication of many riders, engineers and staff. I myself started my MotoGP career in a Yamaha satellite team. I also took part in the 50th anniversary celebrations. It’s quite special that I am present for both these important milestones for Yamaha. I‘ve recently returned to Yamaha as a test rider after 7 years away, and I am really enjoying the experience. Yamaha‘s passion for motorsports is as fierce as ever and that‘s really motivating.«
Fotos: Yamaha
