- Fostering Motorsports in Asian and ASEAN Regions -

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo:7272) announced on February 5 plans for the Asian and ASEAN regions, including a redoubled commitment to the MotoGP World Championship series and new directions for the company's venerable motorsports program, which is now celebrating its 60th year, during the Yamaha Motorsports Media Conference in Sepang, Malaysia.

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Yamaha Motor unveiled its new team for MotoGP, the focus of its motorsports program. Riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo from Movistar Yamaha MotoGP were joined by riders from satellite team Monster Yamaha Tech3 as well as Forward Racing, which leases the YZR-M1, along with support personnel, all of whom came together to discuss their aspirations for the upcoming season.

Yamaha also announced its initiatives to encourage young riders to get involved in motorsports in the Asian and ASEAN regions, and the company's plans to participate in the 250cc class of the Asia Road Racing Championship series.

Yamaha, now in celebrating its 60th year in motorsports, has positioned 2015 as an important year in its long-term strategy to promote "Kando," the Japanese concept of simultaneously feeling deep satisfaction and intense excitement when encountering something of exceptional value.

Executive Vice President Takaaki Kimura said: "Yamaha's participation in motorsports, which began in 1955 when the company was established, has enjoyed an illustrious and unbroken run of 60 years. Our racing program is now focusing on branding, technical feedback and activities to generate new interest in motor sports. This includes participating in the Asia Road Racing Championship series in support of young riders, and our new YZF-R1 motorcycle that incorporates advanced technologies developed through highly competitive racing. Of course, we will spare no effort on the track to achieve the ultimate goal of winning, especially this year, our 60th anniversary."

Source: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.