Fiat sign new Yamaha deal

Fiat has signed a new two-year deal to remain as title sponsor of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo’s factory Yamaha MotoGP squad.

There had been fears that Fiat would withdraw its sponsorship with car sales hit hard by the current economic crisis.

But with Malaysian fuel giant Petronas waiting in the wings to take over the title sponsorship of world champion Rossi’s squad, Fiat confirmed last Friday on an October 31 deadline that it would continue to back Yamaha.

Fiat first sponsored Yamaha in 2007, and Masao Furusawa, Executive Officer Engineering Operations of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. “I heartily welcome the extension of the agreement with Fiat as title sponsor of our MotoGP Factory Team for another two years. We will be working to continue the great partnership that resulted in the Fiat Yamaha Team winning the triple crown in 2008”.

Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing added: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Fiat for a further two years. It remains a very interesting mix for an Italian car manufacturer to be partner of a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer in the world’s premier motorcycle racing series.

“After a tough first season in 2007 we were really happy to win the triple crown titles this year for Yamaha and for Fiat. Fiat’s decision to continue for a further two years is a sign of confidence in our activities and a strong confirmation of the value of being involved in the MotoGP championship.

“Our target for the future is clear: we want to continue with our winning ways and provide even more excitement for the fans of the Fiat Yamaha Team”.