2008 Yamaha MotoGP Signing

Yamaha MotoGP rider announcement

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd announces that it has concluded a two-year
agreement with 250cc World Champion Jorge Lorenzo. The 20-year-old
Spaniard will make his MotoGP debut in 2008 aboard a YZR-M1, with direct
Factory support.

Lorenzo, who won the 250 title in 2006, is currently leading the
championship, after winning six out of the first ten races this season.

"Yamaha has been watching Jorge's career with interest for some time and
we are delighted that he will be joining our MotoGP line-up from next
season” - commented Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor
Racing. “We are sure that he will be a valuable asset for the future and
we look forward to the commencement of his MotoGP career with Yamaha.”

The exact structure of Yamaha’s team and rider organization is still
under consideration at the present time. Further details, including
Lorenzo’s team structure, will be announced in due course.

--
Mick aka MotoMania
motomick at sbcgobal dot net

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body -- but rather to skid in
broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
-- WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!" - Author : Unknown

 

It depends upon the definition of 'Direct Factory Support,' I suppose.


--
Andrew
00 Daytona
00 Speed Triple
71 Kawi H1
05 Infant

 

Then there's Toseland. Allegedly offered a Yamaha-Michelin, "the same as
Rossi's"

 

I thought there was discussion with Yamaha, and James' management was
saying they'd be very tempted by an offer including the same stuff as
Rossi gets. That would be great, of course, but it's a pipe dream.
Lorenzo won't get that, and Toseland won't get what they give to the
rat. No other rider has gotten what Rossi gets since at least 2002...

 

So Lorenzo on Fortuna, Rossi+Edwards on Fiat, Toseland+A.N.Other on
Tech3, sponsored by ??? . And all on Michelins.

That'll do. Probably the biggest question in that is who's going to pay
for the Tech 3 team?

 

Latest MCN said the 3 GP teams are courting - Tech3, Gresini and one of
the Ducati teams. Claims that he has a WSB offer in hands - Brand New
Factory HRC Fireblade & a hige pile of money to stay another year and
a promise of top team move the GP in 09. but he says he wants to go to
MotoGP now if he can get a good ride - he says he wants to see in
writing the offers from the other teams, not just money, but what in
the way of a package he'll be on. He doesn't want to go just to go
- he want to be competitive. I think Honda should hang on to him and
if he won;t take the bigtime WSB money - make sure his move to GP in
on one of their bikes - I think on a good bike he would be a real contender.


Bruce

 

If Toseland lands there, maybe Hanspree goes with him?

Bruce

 

And Hanspree leaves Gresini? Or does that make a Gresini move more
likely?