Yamaha unveil Jorge Lorenzo’s new team boss

Yamaha has confirmed that Wilco Zeelenberg will be the new boss of Jorge Lorenzo’s factory MotoGP squad in 2010, as was revealed by MCN over three weeks ago.

Dutchman Zeelenberg joins the team from Yamaha’s World Supersport Team, where he won the world championship in 2009 with rising British star Cal Crutchlow.

Zeelenberg previously had a successful career as a rider, contesting 100 Grands Prix from 1986 to 1995, racing with three different manufacturers including Yamaha.

From 1995 to 2000 he then raced in the World Supersport championship.

Zeelenberg, who replaces Daniele Romagnoli at the head of Lorenzo’s Fiat Yamaha squad, said: “After nine years working for Yamaha I am very proud to be joining the official Yamaha MotoGP team.

“It’s a big reward and I am very excited about this new challenge. Jorge is a fantastic rider and I cannot wait to start working with him and the crew. The team is already a well-oiled machine and I am thrilled to be fitting into it.

“It’s clear that there are four main contenders for the title and Jorge is one of those four. I am a very competitive person, I will do everything I can in the team to create the right atmosphere and fight for the championship title.”

Lin Jarvis, Managing Director for Yamaha Motor Racing added, “I would like to congratulate Wilco on his appointment and wish him every success in his new challenge.

“I am confident that the team and Jorge will benefit from Wilco’s long experience as a rider, a Yamaha racing technician and more recently as a successful team manager.

Zeelenberg’s first public appearance with Spaniard Lorenzo will be when pre-season testing commences at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia on February 4.