VR46 to take over Yamaha MotoGP merchandise

VR46 Racing Apparel, Valentino Rossi’s own merchandising company, have signed a three-year deal with his factory Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team to become their official supplier of merchandising.

The deal means that they join the likes of top riders Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa and Cal Crutchlow in having their branded clothing supplied by the company set up by Rossi to create jobs in his home area of Rimini.

VR46 CEO Alberto Tebaldi: “We are delighted about the partnership with Yamaha Factory Racing, and I hope this is just the beginning of an even larger project with our partner. The passion and dedication are some of the values that the two companies have in common. This agreement is an important recognition for us, no doubt a confirmation of the work we do every day.”

Yamaha Racing boss Lin Jarvis added: “We are pleased to have signed a new agreement with one of the most important merchandisers in the motorsport market. The professionalism and experience of VR46 Racing Apparel give us the certainty that this will be a successful partnership in the long term.

“Licensing is an important revenue stream for any professional sports team at a global level, and Yamaha Factory Racing is pleased to launch our new range of products for the millions of fans who follow us around the world.”

Reports in the Spanish press earlier in the year suggested that Rossi may lose his biggest client in the form of Marc Marquez after their Sepang clash, but a spokesman for the double world champion has since confirmed to MCN that they would remain in partnership for the foreseeable future.