_24.jpg?width=1600&aspect_ratio=16:9)
In a heartfelt announcement, Valentino Rossi has signed a multi-year agreement to serve as a Brand Ambassador for Yamaha. Although he hung up his racing leathers after the 2021 MotoGP season, Rossi remains attached to Yamaha, riding their bikes for both training and leisure.
“For sure, this agreement between me and Yamaha gives a great emotion,” said Rossi, who clinched four of his nine world titles riding for the iconic brand. Currently present at the Jerez circuit for the Spanish MotoGP, Rossi expressed his excitement about the renewed partnership. “We worked together for many years in the past, so it feels natural.”
Rossi's dedication to Yamaha has not waned since his retirement. “During my MotoGP career I rode Yamaha bikes as part of my contract. But even after retiring, I kept using Yamaha bikes because I enjoy it,” he elaborated. He emphasized his relief that the partnership has officially begun, stating, “I‘m happy that the agreement is now signed, so Yamaha and I get to work together in this new set-up.”
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Racing, shared his sentiments about Rossi’s return. “Of course, this is a great moment for Yamaha and it‘s also an emotional development for the fans, who I‘m sure miss Valentino‘s presence in MotoGP since he retired from his successful career,” he said. Jarvis went on to highlight the special relationship that developed between Rossi and the Yamaha brand.
“Valentino and his M1 shared a special bond. His arrival at Yamaha was the catalyst that completely changed our MotoGP racing programme to the point that Valentino and Yamaha almost became synonymous,” Jarvis remarked.
Together, Rossi and Yamaha achieved multiple successes on the racetrack, including numerous wins and podiums, as well as four championships. “There are also the moments behind the scenes: the hard work but also the fun parts and the shared passion for racing,” noted Jarvis, underlining the family-like connection between Rossi and the Yamaha team.
This partnership comes on the heels of speculation regarding Rossi’s VR46 team, currently competing under Ducati, potentially becoming a satellite team for Yamaha in the future. While the VR46 team enjoys success in the MotoGP standings with rider Marco Bezzecchi, they still have a contract with Ducati that extends through the end of next season. The VR46 team also operates the Yamaha MasterCamp team in the Moto2 class.
As Rossi embarks on this new chapter as Yamaha's Brand Ambassador, fans and insiders alike are looking forward to how this partnership will evolve and impact both the legendary rider's legacy and Yamaha's ongoing presence in the MotoGP landscape.
