Yamaha confirms Fiat deal and reveals new colours

This is the first look at the Fiat-backed factory Yamaha YZR-M1 that Valentino Rossi hopes will win him back the MotoGP world championship in 2007.

In one of the worst kept secrets of the paddock, Yamaha’s sponsorship deal with Italian car giant Fiat was official confirmed today, with Rossi and team-mate Colin Edwards unveiling their new bikes at a special launch in Milan.

The bike will take to the track for the first time on Thursday when practice gets underway for the opening race of the new 800cc era in Qatar.