Yamaha and VR46 Academy sign supply deal

Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Academy, the nine-time world champion’s development and mentoring program, has signed an exclusive deal with Yamaha to supply machines for the youth riders.

The deal will see 26 R-Series and YZ-series machines supplied, for both training at Rossi’s VR46 MotoRanch facility and at the nearby Misano circuit.

The plans, as well as strengthening the Italian’s links to the his MotoGP team, also serve Yamaha well, giving them early access to the next breed of top riders – something boss Lin Jarvis admitted was a part of the deal.

“I am extremely happy that we are able to begin this formal partnership with the VR46 Riders Academy. The Academy started as a natural development of Valentino’s incredible passion for motorcycling and racing when he committed himself to supporting the next generation of riders to develop their talent and skills to become future World Championship racers. Yamaha share the same passion as Valentino and we are engaged around the world with numerous programs to encourage and develop young aspiring riders to follow their dreams and to improve their performances to achieve their full potential.

“An additional but equally important aspect of the new partnership is for Yamaha to support and engage with the VR46 Riders Academy’s full time program. Yamaha will contribute with the supply of training bikes as well as getting involved in the education of the riders. Some of these young riders will surely evolve to be the Factory riders of tomorrow. Yamaha will be watching closely as their careers develop and hopefully some of them will become our next generation Factory riders in the future.”