Yamaha has appointed racing legend Valentino Rossi as its brand ambassador.
- Rossi retired in 2021 with Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT).
- The Italian rider continue to ride Yamaha motorcycles at his VR46 Moto Ranch.
The Italian rider spent the majority of his MotoGP career with Yamaha, winning four world championship titles with the manufacturer. Rossi retired from racing in 2021, but he has continued to maintain close ties with Yamaha, occasionally riding Yamaha machinery at his VR46 Moto Ranch.
Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis expressed excitement about the appointment, stating that Rossi and his YZR-M1 shared a special bond.
“We always considered Valentino as ‘family,’ and as soon as he expressed his desire to keep using Yamaha bikes and to become a brand ambassador, we went to work to make it happen,” said Jarvis.
Rossi has also collaborated with Yamaha on the Master Camp Moto2 Team and occasionally used Yamaha bikes for his “training and leisure” purposes. The new partnership with Yamaha only strengthens their already strong ties.
Rossi expressed his pleasure at the new role, stating that he had always planned to keep riding motorcycles even after retiring from MotoGP.
“During my MotoGP career, I rode Yamaha bikes as part of my contract. But even after retiring, I kept using Yamaha bikes because I enjoy it. I’m happy that the agreement is now signed, so Yamaha and I get to work together in this new set-up,” said Rossi.
The appointment of Rossi as Yamaha’s brand ambassador is a significant moment for both the manufacturer and fans of motorcycle racing. Rossi’s passion for the sport and his close ties with Yamaha make him the perfect candidate for the role.
