Yamaha pull out of WSB
Added on Monday, August 1st, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Yamaha pull out of WSB
Yamaha has announced that it will be quitting World Superbikes at the end of the 2011 season.
A statement released by Yamaha Racing announced that Yamaha will not be supporting a factory entry for the 2012 season following a “full strategic review of the Marketing Operations within Europe including all Motorsport activities,” with the downturn in the powered two wheeler market cited as a factor in the review.
The announcement means that Yamaha is the second manufacturer to end factory support for WSB in the space of a year, with Ducati announcing at the end of last season that it would not be supporting a factory entry.
A statement from Yamaha Motor Europe read: “YME would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for the total commitment, support, and passion shown by the extremely professional and dedicated riders and team members both past and present throughout the many years of participation in the FIM Superbike World Championship.
“YME would also like to thank all the highly valued business partners and suppliers who have in-turn supported the team and in addition would like to thank Infront Motorsports, the FIM Superbike World Championship promoters. YME has chosen this timing of announcement to ensure that all existing obligations are correctly met, and to not limit any opportunities or future planning for all personnel involved.”
The announcement comes just 24 hours after both Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty secured double podium finishes for Yamaha at Silverstone.
