Yamaha lift curtain on WSB R1
Added on Monday, February 16th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Yamaha lift curtain on WSB R1
Yamaha have launched the new livery for the 2009 R1 as part of a wider rebranding for the factory WSB team.
The bikes ridden by the new line-up of American AMA champion Ben Spies and British Superbikes graduate Tom Sykes feature a new blue, white and black livery in tune with the Japanese marque’s factory colours, bringing the team into line with the factory’s MotoGP and BSB entries.
The team has added a number of new sponsors for the 2009 season although the loss of primary sponsor, banking group Santander, means that there is a largely unbranded faring on the new model.
As part of a raft of changes, Yamaha will race under the new moniker of Yamaha World Superbike Team following the decision to transfer ownership of the team from Yamaha Motor Italia to Yamaha Motor Europe. The move signals an end to the Motor Italia team colours of red and black, as sported by last year’s rider paring of Troy Corser and Noriyuki Haga.
Ben Spies, one of the favourites for the championship this season, said that the official unveiling of the new R1 heightened his anticipation of the new season.
“The bike is incredibly confidence inspiring,” said the American. “The way it lays down the power so smoothly, especially through the corners in both the wet and the dry is incredible. It’s got better and better over the last couple of months in testing, I really can’t wait to get it on the start line at Phillip Island for that first race.”
British rider Tom Sykes was equally positive and was already pleased with what he had already seen in testing.
“It’s a challenge to get to grips with a new bike, new team and new championship all at the same time, however the fact the bike is amazing and the team so professional has made it a great challenge,” said the Yorkshire man.
“I’m really working well with the new R1, the chassis feels really planted and poised, like Ben I can’t wait to get out there and race with it!”
