Insider001

INSIDER The official Yamaha racing magazine

Spring 2004 Issue one

Chad Reed American Idol

The M1 doctor MotoGP boss speaks

The best Everts Meet the MX legend

Rossi: the challenge Plus all you need to know about the season ahead

INSIDER Editor Paul Taylor Design/production Peter Henneman

Welcome to the first edition of Insider, Yamaha’s official racing magazine.

This is an exciting season for us at Yamaha. The signing of Valentino Rossi to lead our MotoGP campaign marks the start of what we hope will be a bright new era.

Insider is a chance for our fans to gain a greater insight

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Creative consultant

into our racing world than has ever been possible

Tom Jacobs

before. You can read Valentino’s thoughts on the season ahead on page 16, while Masao Furasawa, manager of

Distribution Dana Bauer Publisher Yamaha Racing Communications by p’ZAZ

Yamaha’s Technology Development Division gives an engineer’s perspective on page 46.

But it’s not only in MotoGP where Yamaha competes at the highest level. In motocross Stefan Everts is aiming for a record breaking eighth world title and a fourth consecutive championship with Yamaha. At the time of writing Chad Reed is setting the pace in the AMA supercross series. Another world champion called Stefan,

Contributors

Stefan Merriman, leads the Enduro 1 world championship on a Yamaha WR250F and

Ray Archer, Paul Barshon, Graeme Brown,

Jurgen van den Goorbergh leads the Supersport World Championship on his YZF-R6

Paolo Carrubba, Matteo Cavadini, Patrick

after winning the opening round in Spain.

Curtet, Double Red, DPPI, Stefan Geukens, Gold & Goose, Mat Oxley, Stan Perec, Martin Port, Gordon Ritchie, Massimo Zanzani Printing Habo DaCosta BV, Vianen, The Netherlands

To keep up-to-date with all the latest news and results, Yamaha has launched the new www.yamaha-racing.com website. It’s here that you can join the Insiders community and can take advantage of many interactive features, downloadable photos from all classes and an email subscription service that allows you to receive race reports from your chosen classes direct from the race track. One of the other benefits of Insiders membership is this very magazine. To make sure you receive future issues, please ensure

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Communications, a service of p’ZAZ Communications, Hoogte Kadijk 61hs, 1018

While you’re there, please drop into the forum and tell us what you think of this first issue of Insider magazine. I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading it!

BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Telephone +31 20 625 6539.

Reproduction of any text, photograph or illustration in this magazine is prohibited without permission from the publisher.

While care is taken to ensure that the content of Insider is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability for errors or

Laurens Klein Koerkamp

omissions.

European Racing Operations Manager Amsterdam, The Netherlands, April 2004

Š2004 Yamaha Motor Racing BV

WWW YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE COM

INSIDER 3

INSIDE...

12

News Win a Rossi replica scooter, Yamaha’s new world champions and young guns to look out for in 2004

16

The new adventure New signing Valentino Rossi tells Insider about his first few months with Yamaha and of the challenges he faces this season

22

28

34

Yamaha’s French connection We lift the lid on the Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3 squad - Yamaha’s ‘other’ MotoGP team

38 American Idol Chad Reed is blazing a trail in the AMA supercross championship. We travelled Stateside to find out what the buzz is all about

The best Everts Stefan Everts holds every record that’s worth having in the world of motocross. We chart his career and find out what’s next for the Belgian superstar

42 Out of Africa 2 Insider travels to Namibia on the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team’s annual photoshoot

All things to all men Supersport racing is some of the closest on the planet. Here’s the reason why

46

The M1 doctor Masao Furusawa is the man to turn the YZRM1 into a title winner - he talks to Insider about the task he faces

50 Road to

52

David versus the Goliaths It was a fairytale of epic proportions. David Frétigné went to the Dakar rally with his two-wheel-drive Yamaha and won on his debut

race Turn the latest YZF-R1 into a racer with YEC kit parts

56

2-Trac: past, present and future Take a look at 2-Trac, Yamaha’s unique two-wheeldrive system

59 Database All you need to know about Yamaha’s riders and bikes for the 2004 season

The Focused Dutchman A win at the opening round of the season in Valencia and a podium next time out in Phillip Island makes Jurgen van den Goorbergh the man to beat in world supersport this season. But with Yamaha colleagues Fabien Foret and Kevin Curtain just behind in the points standings, there will be no chance for the Dutchman to lose that concentration.

PICTURE: GRAEME BROWN

6 INSIDER

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The art of motocross With a win apiece in the first two GPs of 2004, Yamaha L&M Motocross Team riders Cédric Melotte (7) and Stefan Everts are setting the pace in this year’s MX1 world championship. Melotte’s win on his debut with the factory team was a dream come true. Could he be the man to succeed Everts as the king of motocross?

PICTURE: PATRICK CURTET 8 INSIDER

INSIDER 9

Evolution of the beast Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP contender enters its third season of competition more potent than ever. With over 240bhp from the 990cc in-line four-cylinder engine, Yamaha’s engineers have been working hard to improve the bike’s control and predictability. Have they succeeded? The world awaits with bated breath.

PICTURE: MATTEO CAVADINI

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INSIDER 11

Pitlane

Win Rossi’s bike NOT HIS YZR-M1, of course, but if you live in Europe you could win the latest special edition Aerox scooter. This scooter is a replica of the scooter used by Rossi around the paddock and features a colour scheme based on the world champion’s YZR-M1 MotoGP machine, including his famous ‘46’ and ‘The Doctor’ logos.

The racing influence can be seen in the high specification suspension and brakes, which combine with the sports tyres to ensure handling as sharp as the looks.

Sports instrumentation includes fuel and temperature gauges, while the underseat storage space is capable of swallowing a full-face helmet.

The Aerox also has a pillion seat and is fitted with carbon-look grab handles to improve comfort and aid lifting the machine onto its centre stand. An electric starter gives the ease of use you would expect from a Yamaha scooter.

With official endorsement from Rossi and his Yamaha factory team, the Aerox replica brings the MotoGP experience to the high street and is available from your local Yamaha dealership now.

Visit the official website at: www.yamaha-racing.com/aerox for more information and a chance to win your own Aerox Race Replica.

You can have one too!

YAMAHA’S 2004 MODELS are now available in Yamaha dealerships worldwide, having received rave reviews from in the press since the official launch in February.

Journalists from around the world got their first taste of the new YZF-R1, XT660R and XT660X, the supermoto variant, in what was one of the biggest press tests to be arranged by Yamaha. Over 120 representatives from TV and print media passed through the Sydney area of Australia to get their first taste of the machines on the former GP circuit at Eastern Creek and on the surrounding roads. First impressions from the journalists were very positive and British weekly newspaper MCN even declared the new R1 it’s superbike of the year after riding the Yamaha back-to-back with similar machines on road and track.

Also in attendance at the launch was MotoGP star Carlos Checa, who was in Australia testing his YZR-M1 MotoGP machine. He put in some hot laps on the new YZF-R1 and judging by the photo he clearly enjoyed himself.

For further information on Yamaha’s 2004 line-up visit the Yamaha Motor Europe website: www.yamaha-motor-europe.com

12 INSIDER

What’s in a… nickname These days it seems that every professional racer has to have a nickname. Here three Yamaha stars explain how they got their stage names: Stefan ‘Stefun’ Everts “I have a lot! Some guys started to call me The Legend or The Champ but I still like Stefun. It was Massimo Zanzani (Italian motocross photographer) who came up with it back in 1995. I thought ‘that’s pretty cool’ so I started using that. I still have it on my pants these days.”

Valentino ‘The Doctor’ Rossi “When I moved to 500s (in 2000) I changed to ‘The Doctor’ because you must be calm and thoughtful like a doctor to ride those bike. Also, in Italy there are many doctors called Rossi, so I became Doctor Rossi” David ‘Le Cobra’ Vuillemin “It came from the announcer at the Bercy Supercross in France. I often made bad starts and had to come from behind in the same way that a cobra attacks its prey. Also, I think it is also due to my unique riding style. I move around on the bike a lot which some people say makes me look like a cobra.”

Carlos Checa enjoys the new R1 at the Eastern Creek circuit

Quick news

Defenders of the crowns MOTOGP STAR VALENTINO Rossi isn’t the only world champion to switch to Yamaha to defend his world title in 2004.

Two equally successful exponents of their disciplines will run the number one plates on their Yamahas this year. In enduro, Stefan Merriman leads the UFO Corse Yamaha team’s charge in the newly named Enduro 1 world championship (for two-stroke machines up to 125cc and 250cc four-strokes) on the all-conquering WR250F. The versatile Australian, who has won national level championships in road race, supercross, trials and enduro, won his third world title in the

250cc two-stroke class last year.

In road racing, world endurance champions Phase One will run a Yamaha YZF-R1 in defence of their 2003 title. The British-based team is one of the most experienced squads on the grid, having won three world championships in the past ten years.

You can follow the progress of Phase One and Stefan Merriman at our new look www.yamaharacing.com website, where Insiders and members of the media can also take advantage of the email news and race report service.

New site online now THE LATEST INCARNATION of Yamaha’s highly acclaimed racing website is now live. More than simply an overhaul, the new site covers more race classes than ever before. Among the improvements are coverage of endurance, superstock, enduro and supercross championships (alongside the existing MotoGP, world supersport and Grand Prix motocross classes), improved navigation and an improved section for members of the Yamaha Insiders community. All the archives from the old site have been carried over, so visitors can still access news and photography going back to the 1999 season. For all you need to know, switch the computer on and type www.yamaha-racing.com into your web browser.

It’s the only address you need to know.

YAMAHA’S THIRD GENERATION YZF-R1 made a dream race debut as Lorenzini by Leoni team-mates Gianluca Vizziello and Lorenzo Alfonsi swept to the first two places at the opening round. of the European Superstock Championship in Valencia. The youngsters matched each other lap for lap, before Vizziello made his move on the penultimate lap to have the honour of becoming the first rider to win on the latest R1. VALENTINO ROSSI TOOK time out of his busy pre-season testing schedule to visit the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne. The Italian, who was testing his YZR-M1 at nearby Phillip Island, was the guest of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and met all the top drivers, including six-time world champion Michael Schumacher. THOUSANDS OF FANS lined the streets of Barcelona to see the unveiling of Yamaha’s MotoGP riders. The launch, which took place the day before the IRTA test at the nearby Catalunya circuit saw Valentino Rossi, Carlos Checa, Norick Abe and Marco Melandri perform wheelies and burn-outs on their YZR-M1s in the shadow of the imposing Montjuic Castle. The MotoGP season starts with the Africa’s Grand Prix at the Welkom circuit in South Africa on April 18.

THE NOGARO CIRCUIT in France played host to 60 Yamaha racers for this year’s Yamaha Race Training (YRT) programme in March. The course was free of charge to riders racing an R-series machine at national level upwards and consists of a day’s classroom tuition from Yamaha’s Japanese and European technical staff to help riders and mechanics get the most out of their machines followed by three days of open practice.

INSIDER 13

When Carlos met Wayne

Pitlane

A new car in less than two minutes

School of speed

AS IF HIS new Aerox scooter wasn’t enough, Valentino Rossi scored a new BMW Z4 car after setting the fastest time in the first official IRTA MotoGP test at Barcelona.

The test featured a televised 40-minute shootout with the €45,000 car being awarded to the quickest rider. Rossi won the motor after clocking a time of 1’44.571, almost one second inside his existing lap record, in the dying seconds of the session.

It should be an exciting season ahead if the times from the test are anything to go by, with the top 13 riders covered by less than a second. There’s also another car up for grabs at the end of the season.

The rider with the lowest aggregate qualifying time from all 16 rounds of the championship (plus the IRTA test) will win the MotoGP Best Qualifier competition and a new BMW 645Ci. SO WHAT DOES a famous bike racer do in his time off?

Well, in the case of Carlos Checa, it involves hanging out with one of the all-time great racers and ‘chilling out’.

The Spaniard took a short holiday in the States recently, spending his time with Yamaha legend Wayne Rainey, who won the 500cc world title three-times in the early Nineties, at his home in California.

"I had a really relaxing time with Wayne and Bubba Shobert,” explained Carlos. “We went to Yosemite Park and did some trekking, played some baseball, talked and relaxed.

I ran everyday and Wayne came along on his bike. The main reason for the trip was just to relax and to catch up with Wayne. I was able to do both."

Rainey was forced to retire through injury midway through the 1993 season. But he hasn’t lost the speed bug and regularly competes on four-wheels, racing a Yamaha TZ250 powered kart built by fellow 500cc world champion Eddie Lawson.

Giftshop expands its line-up YAMAHA RACING’S OFFICIAL online store is to expand its range of products throughout 2004.

The Yamaha Motor Giftshop, to give it the correct title, sells a number of exclusive items produced in a partnership between Yamaha Racing and top clothing manufacturer Alpinestars.

That partnership will continue this year, with Alpinestars introducing a number of new items over the coming months. The giftshop will also be expanding its range of products from the Yamaha corporate line-up and will be stocking official merchandise of Valentino Rossi.

The site offers all-inclusive prices which include postage within Europe, while the latest encryption technology eliminates the risk of credit card fraud. Log onto www.yamaha-motor-giftshop.com for further information.

‘Move over grandad, we’re coming through!’ Think DiSalvo’s young? Here are five other youngsters looking to make their mark on Yamahas this year

Matteo Baiocco Antonio Cairoli

Tommy Hill

Josh Hansen

Kenan Sofuoglu

Italy seems to have a production line of young talent coming through to the world stage, but 19-year-old Matteo Baiocco is one of the new generation of Italian youngsters eschewing the twostroke GP classes in favour of productionbased four-strokes.

‘Baiox’ came to prominence by winning the European supersport title on an R6 last year. This year he’s with the Yamaha Motor Italia-supported Lorenzini by Leoni team, a squad renowned for working with young riders. Pre-season testing has gone well and a points scoring ride at the opening round gives promise of things to come.

Being minutes away from death is normally a sign to kick back and settle for the gentle things in life – but thankfully for us Tommy Hill got back on his bike and went faster than ever. After rupturing his spleen in a schoolboy motocross accident, Hill decided that he should ‘get something faster and more powerful’. Last year he rode like a seasoned veteran to win the British R6 Cup. His prize is a ride for the Virgin Mobile Yamaha team on a YZF-R1 in the ultracompetitive British superbike series. It’s a big step to make but one thing’s for sure: Tommy Hill fears no one.

There is a theory that says every advantage comes with its own disadvantage. Being ‘the son of' definitely fits that category. Josh Hansen, son of Donnie Hansen, has to live up to high expectations but 'Holeshot Jr.' received the best possible motocross education. Dad was winner of 1982 supercross and 250cc national titles and now runs his own motocross school.

Josh, 20, took five podium finishes in the 125 east coast supercross series on his YZ250F and won in Indianapolis to make the Hansens the only father-and-son duo to have won AMA supercross races.

There haven’t been many (or indeed any) top-class Turkish riders in world championship motorcycle racing, but Kenan Sofuoglu could be the man to change all that. The German Yamaha R6 Cup champion in 2002, he took an ex-Christian Kellner World Supersport R6 to second place in last year’s German national championship, winning at Oschersleben along the way. Highly rated by Yamaha’s German distributor, they’ve kept him on board to campaign the latest YZF-R1 in European Superstock and the German superbike championship. This 19-year-old is definitely one to watch.

Antonio Cairoli is not only Team Yamaha De Carli’s bright hope for the future, the Sicilian kid is one of the world’s biggest motocross talents.

Riding a YZ250F, the 18-year old has already made a big impression by finishing fourth at the MX2 GP of Portugal. Cairoli progressed through the ranks taking several youth titles, including the 2002 Italian junior championship and has shown his talent in the Italian pre-season races, mixing it with established riders like Alessio Chiodi, Andrea Bartolini and Claudio Federici. Something tells us that pretty soon he’ll be doing the same on the GP stage.

HE LOOKS LIKE he’s barely started high school, but diminutive Jason DiSalvo is head boy in one of bike racing’s toughest classes. The 20year-old New Yorker graduated at one of America’s universities of speed when he won the opening round of the 2004 AMA supersport series at the famous Daytona Motor Speedway in March.

A protégé of the legendary Freddie Spencer, DiSalvo paid his dues by travelling to Europe with his father Jim and cramming in as much experience as possible from the age of 16. Racing in the British and European 125 championships, he became the youngest American to compete in a Grand Prix when he rode in the following season’s Brazilian GP. Returning to the US in 2002, he finished on the AMA podium three times in his first season on the Yamaha R6 last term.

This year he’s racing a YZF-R1 in AMA superstock and the YZF-R6 in the supersport. Judging by Daytona, the kid’s gonna be one of the men this year.

INSIDER 15

The new adventure Valentino Rossi’s switch to Yamaha for the 2004 MotoGP season was the highest profile move in the recent history of bike racing. And, as his biographer Mat Oxley explains, the five-time world champion couldn’t be happier with his new challenge WORDS: MAT OXLEY PICTURES: PAUL BARSHON

16 INSIDER

INSIDER 17

LIKE MUHAMMED ALI in boxing, Pele in football and Andre Agassi in tennis,

Giacomo Agostini, Italy’s racing hero of the Sixties and Seventies, and Eddie Lawson,

2004 season is further evidence of this

the taciturn American who won four world

him popular far beyond his sport’s usual

attitude – he wanted to work with Yamaha

titles in the Eighties. Rossi believes that

fan base. And like all true greats, his secret

in its fight to take the factory back to the top.

the rider is a more important part of the

What you see is what you get, he’s totally

18 INSIDER

His decision to switch factories for the

Valentino Rossi has an appeal that makes

is simple – he doesn’t really have one.

“We are trying to make another dream. This is so good for motivation”

round of the world rally championship.

“I needed a new motivation, a new

man/machine equation than in car racing

adventure,” says Rossi, who began talks

but he insists that he didn’t move to

natural in whatever he does. And he’s

with Yamaha last summer, while on his

Yamaha to prove his brilliance to the

popular because his attitude to life and

way to a third consecutive premier class

world. No, his decision was inspired by that

racing itself is shared by millions of normal

title success. “Always when I spoke with

desire for new challenges.

people – he wants to enjoy himself, so

Yamaha I got a great feeling from them

he dedicates himself to seeking out new

because they wanted me so much to come

financial incentives as a major motivational

adventures. Although he’s already won

and join them to go for victory. We are

force. Already a multi-millionaire, there

more than 50 Grands Prix, Rossi has never

trying to make another dream, to restart

were other factors that concerned him

gone for easy success. As soon as he won

from zero and to come back to the top.

more when he made up his mind to join

the 125 world championship in 1997 he

This is so good for motivation and to keep

Yamaha. “When you decide a contract,

promoted himself to the 250 class, and

that motivation at 100 percent.”

money is maybe fourth or fifth place, is

as soon as he had conquered 250s he

Rossi’s decision to change factories

No surprises therefore that he doesn’t count

not your number one target,” he says.

graduated to the premier series. Then two

gives him membership of an elite band

“Before money you need to decide if you

years ago, when he wanted a go at four-

of bike racers who have swapped factories

want to ride that bike, if you want to work

wheel racing, he of course entered at the

after winning the title. Riders who have

with those men and that team. Then you

highest level - taking part in the British

successfully made this transition include

decide the money.”

INSIDER 19

Rossi’s relationship with his mechanics and crew chief Jeremy Burgess (right photograph) has been a major factor in his success

Rossi’s first impressions of Yamaha have

on four wheels aged ten, only switching to

second, he’s disappointed but he’s not

often involving fancy dress to poke fun at

Last season he seemed more stressed than

friends. I would also like to play sport, to

been good. “Since I started testing the M1,

minimoto racing two years later because

angry with the world like Mick used to be,

a rival or the media. “When I started win-

usual and slumped into a midseason rut. He

play soccer, or ride motocross and super-

Yamaha has worked so hard and so quickly

the family couldn’t afford to underwrite

he’s not going to tear your head off.” Rossi

ning, me and my friends decided we should

went four races without a win – his longest

motard – anything with wheels! But more

that I’m sure we can continue in this way,”

a career in car racing.

knows this himself: “Maybe if Mick arrives

try to make some big fun,” he says. “We

drought in years – but returned from the

or less I’d just like to have a normal life.

second it’s a disaster, I’m a bit different, for

just wanted to do something new to show

mid-season break with a big grin, dyed hair

I like London because in Italy people go

me is more important to have fun.”

he adds. “I’m really enjoying working with them, I’m very happy.”

Rossi still sees a possible future in rallying or F1, though motorcycles have always

the big emotion of winning races. The ideas

and an elaborately planned victory celebration

crazy when they see me. At first London

Yamaha is also delighted – they know

been his real love. He still recalls his first

Perhaps the reason that Rossi is more

usually came to us in a bar in Tavullia (the

which he did get to act out after a brilliant

was like another world. The people are so

that they have the world’s best bike racer

memories of watching bike racing in the

capable of dealing with defeat than many

Italian town where Rossi grew up) at two

ride. He went on to win six of the last

different – sometimes in good ways, others

on their side. But Rossi isn’t just a great

Eighties with wide-eyed excitement. And

of his rivals is because he’s not a slave to

in the morning!”

seven races to clinch his fifth world crown.

bad. In Italy people are more open, in

racer and a brilliant entertainer, he’s also a renowned development rider with an ability to give in-depth feedback that allows

his own ego. “If you win is very much better,”

“I’m just a fan on a race bike”

engineers to develop better motorcycles.

Rossi’s childhood friends are still very

If Rossi has become somewhat hardened

London they are more closed, so if someone

he says. “But I never say to myself that

important to him – his constant companion

by the rigours of a stressful, high-risk

recognises me, maybe they just say ‘Ciao!’

arriving in front is all that matters, I’m not

at races is old school friend Uccio Salluci.

lifestyle, he does whatever he can to avoid

and shake my hand. So I can still go out

obsessed. But, especially over the last few

Perhaps this explains his youthful attitude

becoming old before his time. He doesn’t

okay and we go out a lot to eat – Italian,

Yamaha engineers are already utilising his

despite his remarkable run of successes, he

years, I know that I can win if I stay relaxed

to racing and life in general. MotoGP

take himself too seriously, he makes sure

Chinese, Indian – because London has very,

input to improve the factory’s 240-plus

still sees himself as much of a racing

and concentrated. I’m not angry with the

surgeon and sometime paddock philosopher

he enjoys life and he stays true to himself,

very good restaurants.”

horsepower YZR-M1.

enthusiast as he is one of the sport’s most

other riders when I’m racing.”

Dr Claudio Costa has no doubt that youth-

hanging out with old mates rather than

fulness is a crucial part of Rossi’s make-up:

playing the celebrity circuit. Once he’s left

aged him to buy a house in Ibiza, where he

obvious. When he’s on the bike he looks

“Valentino abandons himself to the creativity

the racetrack, he keeps a very low profile.

usually spends MotoGP’s midseason summer

like he’s having fun, not like he’s wrestling

of the mind, so that he can play the game

His desire for a more private life forced

break. He counts house music as one of his

Rossi’s riding talent, inherited from and nurtured by his father, is totally natural, it

successful exponents. “I’m just a fan on a race bike,” he says casually.

The joy Rossi derives from bike racing is

Last year Rossi’s love of clubbing encour-

flows out of him effortlessly. Quizzed about

And perhaps this is the essence of Rossi’s

his all-important, millimetre-perfect mastery

sporting life – he isn’t obsessed with success,

with some kind of demon. And once the

of life according to the carefree rules of

him to move to London where he can at

great loves in life – sometimes he even DJs

of his YZR-M1’s throttle, he says simply:

he genuinely adores what he does. Jeremy

racing is over he wants to share that joy

the child.”

least walk down the street without being

at MotoGP paddock parties.

“I think my throttle control is just natural,

Burgess, the engineer who guided him to

with the world. His post-race celebrations

I started very young and rode many bikes.”

three premier class world championships

are renowned for their exuberance.

get to Rossi. He is certainly a more serious

Father Graziano – who won three 250

Obviously the pressure does sometimes

mobbed by Italian fans.

His Mayfair apartment puts Rossi within

That’s Rossi, always searching for something new to light up his life – whether

after mentoring Australian Mick Doohan

Sometimes they merely reflect the joy he

human being now than he was when he

easy reach of London’s vibrant clubbing

it’s two wheels, four wheels or the wheels

GPs in 1979, the year of his only son’s birth

to five back-to-back titles says: “Mick

derives from racing – perhaps a wheelie,

won his first world title at the age of 17,

scene and plenty of restaurants. “If I were

of steel…

– first put Rossi on a bike at the age of two

enjoyed winning but Valentino enjoys racing.

a burn out or some other riding trick. On

but he has realised that preserving his

not a racer I would have a normal life.

and a bit. But in fact Rossi started racing

If Valentino has a great race and finishes

other occasions they are more symbolic,

youthful attitude is the only way forward.

I would like to have fun, to stay with my

20 INSIDER

INSIDER 21

Ten years ago Chad Reed dreamed of being the next Jeremy McGrath.

Now he’s Supercross World Champion. How’s that for a dream come true?

WORDS: PAUL TAYLOR PICTURES:

RAYARCHER . COM AND

“CHAD REED IS the hottest thing on two wheels" - so declared the headline in

MASSIMO ZANZANI

sound and colour. Subtle it is not.

It starts off with the obligatory

Transworld Motocross. Picking up that

American schmaltz in the form of a local

magazine in San Francisco airport was my

D-list celebrity performing the Stars and

initiation into the crazy world of American

Stripes, before a spotlight appears and one

supercross, an experience that would see

by one each rider enters with their own

Reed take yet another AMA supercross vic-

party piece. It’s a perfectly choreographed

tory at the city’s SBC baseball park two

light show with riders entering from all

nights later. What came in between was the

over the arena: Reed wheelies in to

amazing experience of the greatest two-

the delight of the crowd, Kevin

wheeled show on earth…

Windham, another favourite,

To call American supercross a sport is

high fives his way through

to do this 16-race series a gross injustice.

the fans like a boxer

The THQ AMA Supercross Championship, to

entering the ring while

give it its full name, is a two-wheeled rock

Mike LaRocco also leaves

concert that plays to capacity crowds from

his bike in the pitbox and emerges

January to May each year. It is sports

from the loading bay of the Nissan pick-up

entertainment at its finest, an assault on

truck parked in the middle of the arena.

the senses, an overblown cacophony of

Like everything else here the truck is

22 INSIDER

INSIDER 23

hideously big. LaRocco and his family could

a row, but missed out due to some incon-

this is the original extreme sport. And since

probably live in it during the week. Reed’s

sistent early results. This year Reed has

Reed is the most extreme of the extreme,

Yamaha team-mate David Vuillemin has the

come out of the blocks fighting and leads

you half expect him to either be some

best entrance of all, an astounding rolling

the more prestigious AMA national series.

super cocky prima donna or a completely

stoppie that sends the crowd ballistic.

This is Reed’s dream come true. As a kid

unhinged nutcase. As it happens he’s neither.

They’ve come to be entertained and the

he idolised the great Jeremy McGrath and

The Australian accent is still there, if a little

boys aren’t going to let them down.

now the adorer has become the adored.

diluted by time spent in Europe and America,

America loves Chad Reed. Chad Reed

as is the typically Antipodean honesty, but

loves America.

he’s softly spoken, polite and clearly a real

Then it all begins. “San Francisco, are you ready for some supercross?” enquires announcer Erv Braun, asking the most

As a teenager, Reed and his cousin

scholar of his chosen profession.

obvious question in the world. The crowd

Craig Anderson spent hours riding their dirt

whoops and hollers. Let battle commence.

bikes. When they weren’t riding they were

racing, nothing else,” he explains “So to

Yes, this is American sports entertainment

“As a kid I wanted to come here for the

watching videos of the heroes of the day

come and live here is a lot different to

at its finest, and the racing hasn’t even

and, as Chad’s uncle owned a plant hire

what I expected. Every race, every state, the

begun yet. When it does it is explosive. The

company, they would use his diggers to

fans have a different accent. It’s like going

programme consists of a series of short

make their own supercross tracks and live

to a different country each week and I find

qualifying heats to sort out the outstanding

out their fantasies of riding in packed

that real interesting.

from the merely excellent, cumulating in

American arenas.

the all-important 20-lap final. That’s where

And they made it. Less than ten years

“It’s hard work. We do a lot of training, a lot of testing. We test pretty much every

the championship points, and big prize

later both Chad and his cousin are performing

day from October through to January -

money, are.

in front of 50,000 spectators every week.

even in the season we are testing. That’s

The star of the show is Reed, the 22-

McGrath clearly left a big impression on

probably the biggest challenge I had after

year-old Australian rider for the Yamaha

the young Reed. “When I was growing up

coming from Europe. Every day there’s so

Factory Race Team. He shot to fame when

it was all about Jeremy,” he explains.

much riding, so much training and so much

he won the world championship last year

“That’s who I looked up to, that’s who I

media. It’s so much bigger. A lot of the

and came within a whisker of denying

wanted to be. I watched his videos and

work goes in during the close season but

Ricky Carmichael a run of three successive

studied his style. Even today people say

during the season you gotta be careful

titles in the AMA series. Reed won more

that I ride like Jeremy, which for me is the

about what you do. If you train too much

races than his rival, a total of eight to

greatest complement.”

during the week you are going to face

Carmichael’s seven, including the last six in 24 INSIDER

As the promoters are keen to remind you,

“The crowd is so close.

There’s a real buzz. When you make a pass you can hear them enjoying it”

being too tired in the weekend but INSIDER 25

likewise if you don’t train enough you

relatively low, but the stakes are high and

and this year I will be better prepared and

come to the race and feel that you are

the riding aggressive. The spectacular tracks

plan to be up there challenging.�

behind the eight ball. It’s all about trying

have massive jumps and injuries are common

to find that good balance that’s interesting.�

place. The pace is frantic and, whipped up

Reed’s route to the top has taken him

by the ultra slick circuit commentators, the

America’s top racers in his time and who

fans go nuts all night long.

is best known for his work with Tour de

around the world. A two-time Australian supercross champion by the age of 18,

“The crowd is so close that they are right

Helping him to prepare is trainer Jeff Spencer, who has worked with many of

France legend Lance Armstrong.

Reed travelled to Europe in 2001 to finish

on top of you,� says Reed. “I enjoy riding

second in what was to be his one and only

motocross too, but it’s different. There’s

Chad and Lance,� explains Spencer. “They

season in 250cc motocross GPs, defeating

a real buzz in supercross. When you make

are always thinking about their careers.

eventual champion Mickael Pichon in the

a pass or are involved in a good battle you

Chad has a little bit of all the best riders in

Dutch GP at the deep sand track at Lierop.

can hear the fans enjoying it. You gotta be

him. He is has Johnny O’Mara’s athleticism,

Then he moved to the States to fulfill his

on your game 24-7 in supercross. Every

“There are many similarities between

Roger DeCoster’s tenacity and skills like David Bailey. He is also smart when it

“It’s hard work. We test pretty much every day from October through to January�

comes to managing his career and he applies himself fully to the job. He is a special talent.�

But is he the hottest rider on two

dream of becoming the best supercross

weekend there’s a race and you can’t afford

wheels? Hotter than seven-times world

rider ever. He hooked up with the Yamaha

to pick up an injury and miss any rounds.�

motocross champion Stefan Everts? Hotter

of Troy team and took their YZ250F to the

For now, Reed is happy to continue the

than Reed’s own favourite sportsman

2002 east coast 125cc supercross title

development of his career in the US. When

Valentino Rossi? Hotter even than pedal

before joining the factory team for the

the supercross season finishes in May, Reed

man Armstrong?

2003 campaign. It’s been a perfect partner-

will park up his two-stroke YZ250 and swap

ship, with Reed the favourite to take the

it for a YZ450F to race on the fast and

But one thing’s for sure: when it comes to

AMA title this year.

gnarly tracks in the AMA motocross series.

entertainment, nothing’s hotter than

Reed, of course, is too modest to answer.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that super-

“Last year I think we spent too much

American supercross. And when it comes

cross is simply some kind of travelling circus.

time concentrating on supercross and I

to American supercross, no one is hotter

Few areas of bike racing are as punishing as

wasn’t quite ready for the start of the out-

than Chad Reed.

top-level supercross. The speeds may be

door season,� admits Reed. “I’ve learned,

26 INSIDER

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Stefan Everts’ partnership with the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team is a match made in heaven. He’s delivered a world title in each of his three seasons with the factory squad and, the bad news for his rivals is, he hasn’t finished yet…

WORDS: PAUL TAYLOR PICTURES: PATRICK CURTET, STEFAN GEUKENS

28 INSIDER

AND

MASSIMO ZANZANI

INSIDER 29

EVER SINCE HE was a young boy Stefan Everts knew he wanted to be the greatest motocross racer ever.

The Belgian superstar comes from a motocross family, his father Harry was a top rider himself, winning an

Fact: Stefan Everts is the greatest motocross racer of all time.

With seven world titles and an unprecedented 73 Grand Prix wins (at the time of writing) he stands alone at the top of his profession. He is also the only rider to win three Grand Prix classes on the same day (or indeed two in one day), the only rider to have won world titles for all four Japanese manufacturers, one of only two men to be awarded the title ‘Mr. 875’ for winning the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc titles, the only man to make competitive enduro debut at the prestigious International Six Day Enduro and win.

He is his country’s sportsman of the year…

impressive four world titles between 1975 and 1981. Despite having spent all of his 31 years around in the sport in some way or another, Everts’ enthusiasm shows no sign of diminishing. So many pro-riders become focused on their own race activities to the extent that they are ignorant of the world around them. Not so Stefan. He knows all about his rivals’ strengths and weaknesses, and not just front runners like Pichon and Smets. He’ll wax lyrical on the US stars, talk endlessly about his childhood hero Johnny O’Mara and give

Put simply, the man is a legend.

YAMAHA

“The relationship I have with Yamaha is a lot different to what I have had with other manufacturers. In the past I have always just worked with teams, but with Yamaha I deal directly with Yamaha Motor Racing and it is important to know that you have the full backing of manufacturer. Also the Rinaldi team (Michele, left, and Carlo Rinaldi pictured above with Stefan) is so professional and has been in the sport for so long. They know everything and their experience and relationship with Yamaha is important. A lot has changed from my side. In the four years we have worked together I have become more professional. Of course, we have some discussions from time to time but our goals are the same and I have never worked with another manufacturer that shares the same desire to win as I do.”

30 INSIDER

INSIDER 31

anyone who cares to listen a history lesson

The weather is also much better here than

in motocross. Who said seven-time world

in Belgium, so you can go climbing, trials

champions are supposed to be self obsessed?

riding and cycling all year round.”

For the past three years Stefan and his

Compared to their road racing counter-

partner Kelly have lived in Monaco, the

parts, motocross riders spend more time on

tiny Mediterranean principality that is

their bikes. January is mostly spent in

home to a number of rich and famous

Spain, getting in as many miles as possible

sports stars. In this town, everybody is a

to get race fit and fine-tune the factory

somebody – and that suits Stefan fine.

YZ450FM machines. They’ll also warm up

Back home he is a megastar who can’t

for the campaign by competing in pre-sea-

walk down the street without being recog-

son non-championship races. Even during

nized. Here at his adopted home he is just

the 16-race GP season Everts will be put-

another somebody getting on with his day-

ting in the miles to retain his sharpness on

to-day life. It’s also a great base for when

the bike by competing in the Belgian

things get really serious: 300 days a year of

championship and working with trainer

sunshine helps when it comes to training.

Willy Linden on his fitness programme.

Stefan cycles for at least an hour most days. Note the one-off training outfit made by sponsor Acerbis.

How many sportsmen have had a hit single?

We’re not sure, but MX Project featuring Stefan Everts hit the Belgian chart in 1998 with Try to Beat Me, a catchy Eurobeat number mixing Stefan’s vocal with the sound of a revving twostroke. Nice!

champion. At that time I never knew how

to break virtually every record in the sport.

difficult it would be but now I know what

Last year saw Everts at his most domi-

“There are many advantages to living

“Motocross has always been the most

there,” explains Everts. “I can rest more and

important thing in my life,” he adds. “From

my father meant when he talked about

nant. After an indifferent start to the

you are close to the sea and mountains.

an early age I knew I wanted to be world

sacrifices. Training hard is important, talent

year his season took off when he decid-

alone is not enough. With talent you will

ed to enter the 125cc class as well as the

win on a good day but everyone has bad

premier Motocross GP series. His season

days and that’s why you must dig deep. I

was capped off by a glorious final GP of

train hard, eat well and have a good

the year at Ernée in France. With the

lifestyle for those bad days.”

title already won he decided to enter all

HIS HERO

And if Stefan is less cock sure than he was in his younger days then it is because he has also suffered the extreme lows this punishing sport can bring.

“When I was a kid all the top riders were heroes to me, but there was one guy who stood out – Johnny O’Mara. He was an American supercross rider and a big idol of mine. His style was incredible and I was really fascinated by him. He inspired me a lot.”

When he joined Yamaha for the 2001

GPs - a dream end to a dream season.

Stefan faces a new challenge this year as Kelly is expecting their first child in late July. “I’m very excited,” said the

500cc campaign many saw him as dam-

proud father-to-be. “I believe that I am

aged goods. His four world titles in the

the right age and ready for it. I’m get-

Nineties stood for nothing as he came off

ting curious because everyone tells me

the back of two injury ravaged years in

such great things about their own children.”

which he had barely turned a wheel.

But for now the focus is on work and

A knee injury sustained at Beaucaire in

adding that eighth world title to his CV.

France ruled him out of the 1999 campaign

So far it’s been going well. After three

and an arm injury almost a year to the day

Grands Prix he is again leading the

later kept him out the following season.

championship.

Written off by many, it was typical of the man that he came back stronger than ever

32 INSIDER

three classes. Typically, he won all three

STE FUNDAMENTALS CAREER OF THE LEGEND

2004 Remains with the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team racing a YZ450FM. 2003 Wins a record breaking seventh world title by winning the Motocross GP class on a Yamaha L&M Motocross Team YZ450FM. Wins 18 GPs across three classes, including three in one day at the French GP, to take his total to 72. Wins International Six Day Enduro. Wins Motocross des Nations with Belgium.

2002 Wins the 500cc world championship on the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team YZ500FM. Surpasses Joel Robert’s 30 year old record of 50 career GP wins.

2001 Joins the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team and wins first time out on his way to the 500cc world championship on the factory YZ500FM, becoming only the second rider (after countryman Erik Geboers) to win the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc titles.

2000 Switches to 500cc class with Husqvarna but misses entire season after sustaining a serious arm injury in a pre-season race.

1999 Misses most of the season after sustaining knee injury in a pre-season race.

Comes back in August and wins his 43rd GP at Gaildorf in Germany.

1998 Narrowly misses out on the 250cc world title to Frenchman Sebastien Tortelli after a great season of racing. Wins Motocross des Nations with Belgium.

1997 Wins his third world title, his fourth overall, in the 250cc class. Wins Motocross des Nations with Belgium.

1996 Moves to Honda and retains the 250cc world title after a late season run sees him overtake Marnicq Bervoets in the points.

1995 Wins the 250cc world title with Kawasaki. Wins Motocross des Nations with Belgium 1994 Moves to Kawasaki and finishes second in the 250cc world championship after breaking his collarbone in a mid-season practice crash.

1993 Wins three GPs to finish runner-up to Greg Albertyn in the 250cc championship.

1992 Moves to 250cc class and wins his first ever GP at that level (in Valkenswaard) but misses most of the season after a life-threatening injury at the German GP. 1991 Wins his first GP (at Kaposvar in Hungary) and goes on to lift the 125cc world title.

1990 Joins Suzuki and finishes third in his first full season on 125cc GPs. 1989 First GP at Faenza in Italy, aged 16 years and 128 days. First podium at round seven (Czech Republic) but misses much of the season through injury.

1988 Belgian junior champion.

It seems like the best just keeps getting better.

INSIDER 33

All things to all men ‘Mixing it’ is a term often heard in world supersport. With riders racing with a physical presence seldom seen in any other form of world racing it’s no wonder the class has been described as a skilful balance of one eye on the chequered flag and one elbow in the opposition’s ribs…

WORDS: GORDON RITCHIE PICTURES: GRAEME BROWN

Christian Kellner (93) and Jurgen van den Goorbergh (4) lead a typically frantic supersport race at Phillip Island in Australia

WHAT’S THE BEST motorcycle racing class

that has remained almost exactly the same

in the world? Well, in terms of sheer

for years - and for very good reasons.

anyone with global ambitions to go racing

as consumers as well as fans, can be sure

Because of the tight technical rules,

Supersport has been an outstanding

for real glory, for half the budget of many

that every component of our bikes in the

which limit the allowable changes from

excitement, manufacturer support and

As a championship, it allows almost

remain stock, albeit revalved inside. So we,

get enough of it either.

and that also leads to genuinely fairer competition for riders.

The mix of different riders in supersport

international representation, world

example of how one racing class really can

national superbike teams currently racing

parking areas around the circuit has not

stock, to make the bikes more suitable for

is unrivalled in any class of racing anywhere

supersport is in with a real shout.

be all things to all people, since becoming

in Britain and America.

only been quality tested at the factory, but

the rigours of racing and nothing more,

in the world. Former GP pilots of consider-

With the recent shake-ups in rules and

a FIM world championship in 1999. For starters,

continually tested on the business side of

almost any manufacturer with a relevant

able standing take on teenagers like

regulations governing the traditional world

the racing is as close as it gets as the riders’

bikes in the superbike class, the machines

the trackside barriers. That’s good for you,

600cc four or 750cc twin can join the

European champion Matteo Baiocco - and

championship racing classes, MotoGP and

antics and desperation to win make the

raced in supersport are largely the same as

good for close racing and good for the

party on a level playing field. In short, you

they’re all in with a shout when the lights

world superbike, it’s one four-stroke class

spectacle unmissable come race day.

the bikes you can buy, even the front forks

manufacturers. Seems that the riders can’t

can only do so much to a supersport bike,

go green.

34 INSIDER

Even compared to the production-based

INSIDER 35

the minimum weight limit. For 2004 the limit is down from 167kg to 162kg and the Yamaha is now bang on the limit. It would even be possible to make the R6

International warfare

lighter still - if the rules allowed.

The fact that the bikes that win are largely the bikes you can buy – and that they typically lap only a few seconds slower than even MotoGP tackle - has not gone

Lots of small changes turn the R6 into a racer

unnoticed by the bike buying public.

Sportsbike buyers can’t get enough of 600cc machines, and are always eager to see how their own machine fares in a balanced competition on the track. It’s no surprise that the manufacturers are so loyal to supersport.

Obviously there is a lot more involved to supersport racing than meets the eye but the overall idea is that a lot of small changes to the bikes make big differences.

Fabien Foret is a real supersport specialist

Jurgen van den Goorbergh won the first round

This is the reason why the class has Kevin Curtain is a new signing for Yamaha Motor Germany this season

remained stable in concept, capacity and regulation for years. It’s also why it remains compulsive viewing.

Another reason for the popularity of

Conversely, all those regulations which

supersport racing is that there is a direct

limit supersport also makes those advantages

Corporation (YEC) race kit and you’ve got

for teams, to the point where, with a

link between national racing and world

you can eke out – as a rider, tuner or original

the sort of specification Baiocco used to

decent degree of manufacturer support,

competition. As Grand Prix and national

manufacturer - all the more important.

take the Euro title last year. Bigger budget

importer teams and well organised private

of using the series as a cost effective way for national importers to compete at world

championships gradually lose their two-

Supersport may not be a prototype class,

‘factory’ teams have the advantage of

teams can win races and even world

championship level with support of the Yamaha factory. Development of the bikes

stroke focus, supersport is a ubiquitous

but it is still a realistic and fascinating

being able to hire the top riders and carry

championships. It’s happened before and

is helped by top Yamaha engineer Jiro Izaki, who makes regular trips to Europe to

form of racing nowadays - making the

challenge for the manufacturer, team engi-

out more testing and dyno work, but ulti-

can happen again.

oversee development of the R-series racers, and by Yamaha’s racer turned technical

jump from national to world competition a

neer, suspension guru and tyre technician.

mately the tight regulations mean that

much easier prospect for both riders and

These guys, and the consumer, are helped

over-the-counter Yamaha Engineering

It also works in terms of overall spend

Further proof of supersport’s competi-

their bikes are not so different to those of

tiveness is that all four Japanese manufac-

the privateers.

turers have won the rider’s title in the

THIS YEAR YAMAHA is officially supporting a cosmopolitan line-up of four riders in two of World Supersport’s longest-serving and most professional teams.

Both teams are run by Yamaha distributors, emphasizing the manufacturer’s philosophy

consultant Wilco Zeelenberg, who is based at Yamaha Motor Racing’s headquarters close to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

teams. For Yamaha this is particularly

all the more if the roadbike responds well

important, as supersport racing offers

to the changeover to race use. It stands to

championship’s short life, although

Italia fields the championship’s most formidable squad in ex-GP star Jurgen van den

national distributors the chance to enter

reason that with so few alterations allowed

machines prove, racing in this class really

Yamaha, with three titles and more race

Goorbergh and French supersport specialist Fabien Foret, the 2002 world champion.

world championship level competition in a

from the homologated machine, stock has

does improve the road going breed. So high

wins than any other manufacturer, is proving

The duo got their 2004 season off to the perfect start when the Dutchman led home

high level yet cost effective series.

to be pretty damn good in the first place.

tech and efficient in design are modern

more adept than most.

his team-mate for a one-two finish at the opening round in Valencia, Spain.

With the power outputs of the bikes

But is the R6, for example, ready to race

As the latest generations of 600cc

600cc street bikes that the FIM, the sport’s

There have already been some epic scraps

Under the management of former racer Massimo ‘Maio’ Meregalli, Yamaha Motor

Yamaha Motor Germany has an equally experienced duo in the form of their local

limited by outright capacity as much as

straight out the crate? Right from the first

governing body, had to reduce the minimum

this year. The first two races have been

hero Christian Kellner and Australian Kevin Curtain. The German distributor team has

tuning regulations, riders young and old

design stage racing has been in the designer’s

weight limit in the class. The roadbikes –

thrillers with blistering action all the way

an outstanding reputation in the category, having won the world title with Jörg Teuchert

seldom find themselves outclassed by

mind. Witness the specification of the latest

with lights, instrument clusters, indicators

to the flag and riding styles straight out of

in 2000, and like the Italian pairing, both their riders have won races at this level.

another bike from another manufacturer.

model R6: lightweight wheels, improved

and all – were getting so cleverly designed

a Roman chariot race.

And with a bike they can ride to the max

brake calipers, fuel injection and forced air

to lose unnecessary weight that last year’s

Long live world supersport, where the

almost all the time on all the tracks, the

induction - all technology that benefits the

world supersport-spec YZF-R6 carried over

action’s demonic and the devil takes the

and world supersport could possibly provide the most explosive racing on the planet

game just gets closer every year.

road rider as much as the racer. Add in an

five kilos of lead ballast to make it meet

hindmost.

this year. Don’t miss it.

36 INSIDER

With no team orders and all four riders capable of winning races, 2004 should be a thrilling season for Yamaha. Add in four other manufacturers with their own assassins

INSIDER 37

Yamaha’s French connection The Tech 3 team faces the 2004 season with a complete change of rider line up, new goals and an even wider global outlook, as Gordon Ritchie found when he went behind the scenes of the ‘other’ factory Yamaha MotoGP outfit WITH SOME BIG changes to Yamaha’s

stayed true to its French roots while

MotoGP set-up during the off season, the

being a fully functioning part of Yamaha’s

role of the French-based Tech 3 team has

international racing effort.

progressed once more – the latest in a long

Team Manager Hervé Poncharal (pictured)

line of evolutions for a squad which had its

explains the set-up and some history of

humble beginnings in France in the early

his beloved team: “Our base is in Bormes,

Nineties. Now running under the Fortuna

situated between Marseille and Nice, and

Gauloises Tech 3 banner with a brace of

30km from St. Tropez. It is a great place to

factory-spec Yamaha YZR-M1 four-strokes

work and to live and it is very close to most

for Italian Marco Melandri and Japanese

rounds, especially when you look at a

rider Norick Abe, the team has nonetheless

championship mainly based in Europe.

38 INSIDER

INSIDER 39

The proof of this comes from the fact that

comprising crew chief Coulon, Jerome

day. This includes one tyre technician

other teams sometimes ask to park their

Poncharal, Josian Rustique and Lauren

from Michelin, a specialist from Öhlins

truck in our premises during the year, as it

Ducloyer, while Abe is supported by his

suspension and a gaggle of other support

is halfway between Spain to Italy.”

crew chief Gilles Bigot, Christophe

staff – especially in these days of electronics.

The 15 individual members of the team (excluding the riders), including one of Poncharal’s original partners in the Tech 3

Marquet, Benoit Bruneau, Yann Mariage and Alexandre Dupont.

This collection of race team talent is one

5

1

Clockwise from left: 1 Olivier Jacque and Shinya Nakano’s domination of the 2000 250 season is the highlight of Tech 3’s partnership with Yamaha 2 Marco Melandri receives last minute instructions from crew chief Guy Coulon 3 Norick Abe - new to the team for 2004 4 Melandri (left) and Abe - the Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3 line-up 5 Norick Abe debriefs with his technicians

“Both the crew chiefs work with the datalogging guys and there is also a specialist from Yamaha,” says Poncharal.

adventure, Guy Coulon, are all French, but

of the most closely knit crews in this or

“All through our winter tests we have

that is a matter of simple logistics and

any other paddock, as 46-year-old

had three guys from Yamaha working on

common sense for Poncharal. “It is easier

Poncharal confirms: “We are a team that

the engine management system, assisted

for communication, for the way of life,

spends a lot of time together during the

by two Italian engineers from Magneti

even for something as simple as their eating

year, even in the off-season. We are very

Marelli, plus our two guys and the

habits. It is hard to find many suitably

close to the sea so we spend a lot of our

crew chiefs.”

qualified people from around our team

spare time mountain biking or out on our

base but if it’s possible we prefer it, but

Waverunners. This is very important for

4

2

The biggest change in MotoGP racing in recent seasons has been the adoption of four-stroke engines, hence the high

“We are a team that spends a lot of time together during the year, even in the off-season”

numbers of additional personnel. A simple enough statement, but that particular move has instigated a major change

250cc world championship, attempting to

in behaviour for all the factory teams in

take on the works boys in what was

the paddock.

ultimately a thankless task. Honda did supply

the most contributing factor is that I

team spirit – to not just work together

employ our people for their skills not for

but to spend some time enjoying shared

where they live.”

interests. I am a bit old fashioned but I

nance is done by the manufacturer – by

period, but the team remained essentially

still believe that the best way for the team

Yamaha for us. All the maintenance is

privateers. That was until the arrival of an

parts, one each supporting 2002 250cc world

to work is to be like a family. We are very

done in Italy at the factory team workshop

offer which proved too tempting to

champion Melandri and multiple MotoGP

much attached to the human relationships

but the arrangement is not so complicated.

decline. It was an offer Poncharal realised

race winner Abe, as well as a central spine

and I think the team should function as

We go to a racetrack with all our equip-

was essential to continue the team’s

of logistical co-ordination personnel com-

one to be successful.”

ment except the engines. Once we arrive,

growth – a Yamaha factory package to

achievement. Not only did we get the man-

and have set up everything, we receive the

match Poncharal’s ambitions.

ufacturers’ championship for Yamaha that

The Tech 3 crew largely consists of three

prising of Gerard Valee, Eric Rebman, Oliver Boutron and Laurence Lassere.

Looking after Melandri is a group

As well as the French element of

“Since we went four-stroke the mainte-

3

full-timers, there is an extended team of

engines for the race weekend. We fit them

“In Grand Prix racing there is nothing

year, but also the rider’s championship too.

technical and sponsorship partners on race

into the chassis and we race. At the end of

you can do unless you have the support of

It was such a successful partnership and it

the weekend we give them back to the

a factory,” explains Poncharal. “In 1998 I

made sense to continue the relationship

guys in the Yamaha trailer and then they

was approached by Yamaha and the then

when we moved to the 500s in 2001.”

go back to Italy for servicing.

racing department manager, Mr Iio.

“It was like this in superbike and it is like this in Formula One”. The engine work-

As Poncharal happily states, “This year

He offered us a programme that would put

is a lot different. Alex Barros has left the

us in the hunt for the 250cc title.

team, Valentino Rossi has joined the factory

“With the factory team focusing heavily

squad and he is the current MotoGP world

on the development this will take the pressure

where in the world. Obviously we have no

not just machinery he put on the table,

champion. Of course Yamaha is interested

off our guys. Especially Marco, who has a

French rider this year for the first time,

but full factory support – this is why we

in Rossi’s feedback, which is easy to under-

great deal of potential and is only 21-

and this is something new for us – Olivier

switched to Yamaha.”

stand and accept. He has got the full

years-old. As this is only his second year in

shops are in Italy but they could be any-

40 INSIDER

works bikes for selected riders during this

Compared to what I had before, it was

Jacque was with us for nine consecutive

It proved a momentous and almost

technical support from the factory in Japan

MotoGP he needs to focus on his skills as a

years. But in reality we just see ourselves

immediately fruitful union. “In the end

and will be a major contributor with the

rider rather than developing a bike. It’s my

as a Yamaha MotoGP team – full stop.”

we dominated the 250cc championship in

development for the 2004 YZR-M1. I think

job to help him understand the class better

But the Tech 3 team has a long history.

2000, taking the first two places. Yamaha

this is something that will be good for all

and develop as a rider so that by the mid

Formed in 1990, they spent most of that

took our comments on board and we lis-

of the Yamaha guys at the end of the day,

season he’s challenging for wins. In the end

decade as battling Honda privateers in the

tened to theirs so it was a common

and will only make our lives much easier.

that’s what we’re all here for... to win.”

INSIDER 41

This is a story of man and machine. About two Belgian guys who left their country, friends and family behind… to make their dreams come true. It’s a story about the beauty of Africa and the quest for that one perfect picture.

Starring seven-time motocross world champion Stefan Everts and his Grand Prix winning team-mate Cédric Melotte. Not many sequels surpass the original but this spring wonders do happen… Sounds like the cheesy trailer of the next Hollywood box office hit? Actually it could be, if tinseltown was depicting the 2004 edition of the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team photoshoot that is.

Thou shall not underestimate the power of the sequel!

WORDS: TOM JACOBS PICTURES: PATRICK CURTET, STEFAN GEUKENS

42 INSIDER

AND

TOM JACOBS

INSIDER 43

FACTORY RACE TEAMS need to generate a lot of photo material before the start of

Exotic or what?

Now it’s fair to state that this southwest

Belgian motocross fan. But Namibia does

it paid off. We let the rider do more play

sand in the dunes was so deep and soft I

stands out for him. “The trip was just mem-

stage one of the best hidden dream spots

riding and in terms of the shots themselves,

cannot even try to compare it with a regu-

orable in general: seeing the wildlife and

each season. Most do a dedicated photo-

African country is not exactly a landmark

for off-road riding. The famous

our photographer Patrick Curtet pushed

lar motocross track. Depending on the sun,

beautiful nature. Trying out new things

shoot of some sort. However, the approach

on the off-road racing map. In fact I could-

Swakopmund dunes are a genuine

the envelope by directing some dramatic

the colour of the sand changed constantly.

with the photographers was another high-

of the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team breaks

n’t even think they are too bothered with

Namibian tourist attraction, offering a huge

shots and using artificial light.”

Riding there was just a very special sensa-

light. Riding in the dunes was just amazing.

new ground by adding lifestyle and experi-

motocross, even if the greatest rider of all

sand playground for novice and skilled

tion. Still you had to work very hard in the

Someone showed me a really cool picture

mental edges to their shoots, as well as

time was coming to town. No the

quad or bike riders. “After the success of

know what to expect but enjoyed his first

sand and the heat and sunshine made it

of David Bailey carving in the dunes and

making sure that the worst of Europe’s

Namibians have a totally different mindset

last year’s action shoot in the white dunes

experience of working in a factory team. “It

extremely demanding.”

touching the sand. In motocross terms that

weather can’t bring a halt to the action.

when it comes to their sporting heroes.

near Cape Town we wanted to take it one

was unreal, like a dream coming true. Being

“Jesus, champion of the world,” read one

step further,” says Yamaha’s Laurens Klein

the centre of attention and working with

references for the experience, having been

took place in South Africa. This season the

sign along the way. A point that is difficult

Koerkamp. “We worked really hard with the

top-notch photographers made me feel like

the subject of dozens quality photoshoots

team decided to move north to Namibia.

to counter, even for the most hardcore

riders to bring in a new flavour and I think

a celebrity rather than a sportsman. The

throughout his career. However Namibia

Last year’s highly acclaimed photoshoot

New team rider Cédric Melotte did not

The experienced Everts surely had some

is more or less a classic shot. It was a challenge for me to do at least as good.”

Take a look at the pictures below and judge the results for yourself.

Pict pho ures f r to d toshoo om th i reso ownlo t are s a ww lution ad in vailab . h w and .yam Visit igh- le a sec visit t ha-ra t c gal ion of he mo ing.co lery the tocr m . pho oss to

44 INSIDER

INSIDER 45

The M1 doctor ‘The Doctor’ looks set to bring a new lease of life to the Yamaha YZR-M1.

But behind every great man there is often a quiet achiever, and this is the story of one such man – Masao Furusawa, the General Manager of Yamaha’s Technology Development Division WORDS: MARTIN PORT PICTURES: PAUL BARSHON

HAVING TAKEN ON board the lessons of

was evident, nothing escaped his attention.

2002, and in the wake of some impressive

He was analysing everything.

pre-season testing performances, Yamaha

“I came in to racing with an open mind,”

entered last season’s MotoGP world

recalls Furusawa. “I was aware that we were

championship confident it could expand

falling short of our goals in the MotoGP

on the M1’s two race victories. But some

project and I wanted to have a clear under-

unexpected setbacks – including injuries to

standing of why. The best way to do that is

Alex Barros and Marco Melandri during the

to look and listen. Once you’ve taken all

opening race – saw the M1 produce only

this on board then, and only then, can you

one podium placing. There was never any

really find a solution to your problem.”

doubt about the Yamaha’s speed, but its

Furusawa joined Yamaha in 1973. After

temperamental nature resulted in sporadic

an extensive study of vibration analysis, or

performances. The knife edge personality

as it is also known modal analysis, he began

proved as much of a weakness as a strength

analysing the effects of vibrations on the

– get the set-up right and the bike was

human body. By the late Seventies he

impressive, but miss the mark and it could

moved on to develop the legendary

leave the rider wanting.

RD350LC, designing the engine and exhaust

Initially making a rather stealthy debut at

using “orthogonal engine mounting system”,

the 2003 French GP, Masao Furusawa didn’t

again taking into consideration the effects

actually commence his re-direction of the

vibrations have on various parts of the

MotoGP project until mid season. His pas-

product. During this period he was also

sion is pure engineering, but he shares his

heavily involved with the study of Computer

enthusiasm in a straightforward and frank

Aided Engineering (CAE). All this formed the

manner. Yet despite seeing things either

foundation for his most significant contribu-

black or white, this is one particular engi-

tion at that time - the advancement of

neer who understands it is necessary to

Yamaha’s snowmobiles.

consider grey before any action can be

“I began by studying dynamic motion

taken. With this in mind Furusawa used his

analysis of snowmobiles, focusing primarily

first few months as General Manager of

on suspension and chassis characteristics

Yamaha’s Technology Development Division

for our performance models,” explains

to absorb and fully understand the chal-

Furusawa. “I soon moved on to chassis and

lenge at hand. During this period he was

engine design, but my greatest achievement

often seen but rarely heard. However one thing

was with the Yamaha VMAX700 and

46 INSIDER

INSIDER 47

“It was clear we needed to improve the way the power was delivered, and how that was transmitted through the rear tyre. Due to the aggressive power curve our riders were confronted with last year it was necessary to compromise the chassis set-up to compensate for the high demands this power delivery put on the rear tyre - a problem that only increased as the tyre began to wear. The more we compromised to improve drive the more front-end stability became a factor.”

By the time Valentino Rossi signed for Yamaha, Furusawa had a multi-million dollar menu. “We prepared some ingredients for this pre-season, now we are mixing them together and soon we will be able to taste the result. For the first test we prepared

“I was involved with snowmobile racing when Yamaha was having some difficulty. Together with a guy who ran the number 46 we won the title. I wonder if history can repeat itself”

YAMAHA’S YZR-M1 MOTOGP challenger has been heavily revised for the 2004 season.

The machine will continue with its in-line four-cylinder engine layout but with a

different specification engines and chassis.

revised firing order to improve predictability and drivability. With a power output of

We started with four types of engines and

over 240bhp, control and confidence are important to allow the riders to get the

four types of chassis to try. I had already

most out of their machines.

decided which combination I thought

In addition to increasing rider confidence, the more linear power delivery will be

would be the best choice for our new bike,

beneficial during the latter stages of races, when tyre wear often comes into play.

600 SX units. Yamaha was struggling in

for myself what needed improving,” said

problems would not be solved with a new

but I kept this to myself and waited to see

Yamaha’s simple yet innovative adjustable engine braking system remains for 2004.

snowmobile competition at the time and it

the 52-year-old. “To do this I often walked

chassis alone, as power delivery was as

what Valentino’s thoughts were. I’m happy

To ensure stability during heavy braking Yamaha experimented with a number of

was my job to turn things around.

around the circuit and watched the way the

much a culprit as the chassis rigidity.

to say that we think alike.

“After redesigning the suspension system

bike moved about on corner exit and entry.

“My main concern during the final stages

concepts before settling on the engine braking system known as Idle Control System

“I’ve provided Valentino with the base

(ICS). Essentially the system works in conjunction with the throttle twistgrip, which

in 1997, using a long-travel format on the

The first thing I could see was that under

of last year and during pre-season has

and now he’s fine-tuning the package, which

controls the opening of the four throttle bodies. Two of these throttle bodies, how-

rear, we won the US/Canadian 600 class

power the rear end was becoming unsettled,

been to improve the way the M1 powers

makes the difference between making up

ever, are influenced by the ICS which adjusts the throttle opening based on the

with American Chris Vincent. I think it’s

pumping through the rear suspension as

off the turns. My aim was to find a base

the numbers and winning races. I’m amazed

input of the M1’s ECU during deceleration. Furthermore the ICS can be adjusted to

ironic that I became involved in snowmobile

the rear tyre struggled for consistent grip.

chassis and engine package that would be

at how he goes about doing that. My first

suit the rider’s preference.

racing when Yamaha was having some

“This was a problem related to the

Yamaha also considered where the Deltabox chassis could be improved. Although

predictable at every circuit, not just a

impression (of Rossi) left me thinking he’s

difficulty. And together with a guy who ran

resonance of the sprung weight, something

select few. A foundation that would work

very funny, always positive and a great

the M1 was always regarded as being one of the nimblest and best handling bikes

the number 46 on his machine we won the

that was reasonably easy to solve. Firstly

even if the rider was unable to find the

character. I never expected that this fun

on the MotoGP grid, it was gaining a reputation for having a flighty nature. This

title. I wonder if history will repeat itself… “

we revisited the base set-up of the Öhlins

ideal chassis set-up in the time allowed

loving kid could be so technically analytical.

became evident at bumpy circuits, which could unsettle the M1.

suspension package. Then we chose a

during a race weekend.

Furusawa was also the man responsible for revitalising Yamaha’s ATV line-up,

slightly modified chassis character. The first

which led to the awesome YFZ450, a new

prototype chassis, which included a new

benchmark in performance leisure ATVs,

inverted rear swingarm, was used by Carlos

and its offspring. As a result he has gained a reputation within Yamaha as Mr. Fixit.

“Rossi has an ability to ride the bike for

To improve the bike in this area, chassis flex was put under the microscope. The

six or seven laps and evaluate around half

first of the 2004 prototype chassis, which include a new inverted rear swingarm, was

configuration offers the biggest advan-

a dozen areas accurately. In his first six laps

used by Carlos Checa at the Valencia MotoGP in November last year. Although the

tages, it just needs a little fine-tuning. This

on the bike he’d evaluated it entirely. But it’s

torsional rigidity remained largely unchanged from its predecessor the lateral rigidity

Checa at the Valencia race last year.

engine layout is by far the most compact,

not only his ability to understand what he’s

was reduced significantly to improve rider feedback at high lean angles. This has also

Although the torsion rigidity remained

from front to rear, allowing us to concen-

testing, it’s also the way he downloads the

made the bike more forgiving on bumpy surfaces, while the inverted rear swingarm

Now, after taking on the new role at

pretty much unchanged from the unit

trate the centre of gravity precisely where

data to his team and the engineers. He’s like

has more lateral flexibility, to give a lower centre of gravity and make it easier for

Yamaha’s Technology Development Division,

before it the lateral rigidity was reduced

we want it. The inline-four also has less

a computer, breaking down each component

the rider to change direction.

Furusawa is ready for his next challenge –

significantly to improve feedback at high

moving parts – a V-four for example has

and assessing them in a logical way. I guess

the MotoGP world championship.

lean angles.”

more camshafts – and with the forward

that’s why he’s The Doctor - he evaluates

For full technical specifications of the 2004 turn to page 64 or visit the MotoGP

biased cylinders the dynamic weight distri-

the problem and provides the remedy.

section of the all-new Yamaha Racing website: www.yamaha-racing.com/motogp

“Although it’s important to listen to the opinions of those involved I wanted to see 48 INSIDER

Yet despite significant improvements it was evident that the traction and drive

“I still feel that the in-line four-cylinder

bution can help improve front-end traction.

“I’m pleased our approach is the same.”

INSIDER 49

Road to race Sadly you can’t go down your local Yamaha dealer and buy an M1.

But if you want to go racing, Yamaha produces a range of official kit parts to help you build an R1 superbike like this…

CUSTOMERS COME IN all shapes and sizes.

From the commuter who wants a reliable

tuned to FIM supersport rules.

The R1 is being widely adopted for racing

riding superstock R1s this year, Yamaha is entering four supported riders in the

and economical scooter to the track day

this year. In Britain, YZF-R1s are being

European championship with the Yamaha

addict who wants a cutting edge sports

campaigned in the high profile British

Motor Germany and Lorenzini by Leoni teams,

machine, there’s something for everyone in

superbike championship by the Yamaha UK

the latter team taking the top two placings in

the Yamaha range.

Virgin Mobile Yamaha team. They’re entering

the opening round of the season in Valencia.

a three-rider team of Gary Mason, Steve

their machines, European customers are

using a combination of YEC and specially

also invited along to the free Yamaha Race

commissioned parts.

Training programme (YRT) which was held

In world endurance, Yamaha is officially

Gary Mason rides a Yamaha R1 in British superbike

this year at the Nogaro circuit in southern

supporting two of the championship’s lead-

France. YRT attendees received a day’s

ing teams. British-based Phase One will

invaluable technical tuition from Yamaha’s

defend their number one plate with the R1,

Japanese and European technical staff fol-

while Yamaha Motor France is supporting

lowed by three days of track time to help

the GMT94 squad which last year won the

put the theory into practice and get them

24 hour race at Oschersleben on the previ-

ready for the start of the season.

ous model R1.

But Yamaha is also a racing company

To help customers get the most out of

Plater and Tommy Hill on bikes developed

R1s are also a popular choice for super-

Off-road customers aren’t forgotten about either. Yamaha Rinaldi Research and

with racing customers. For them, it offers a

stock racers around the world. In this

Development, the Italian company respon-

range of ready-to-race off-road bikes while

championship the stock bike really has to

sible for the running and development of

Yamaha Engineering Corporation (YEC) is a

be good out of the crate. The rules are

the factory motocross programme produces

Yamaha subsidiary company based in Japan

tight: take a stock bike, stick an end can on

official performance enhancing parts for

dedicated to producing kit parts to trans-

it, tweak-up the suspension and then you

the YZ125, YZ250F and YZ450F machines.

form the R-series range of machines from

race. In addition to the many private racers

street bikes to potential race winners.

The YEC race kit for the 2004 YZF-R1 supplies the items needed to transform the class-leading streetbike into a machine

Yamaha GMT94 is expected to be one of the leading teams in world endurance this year

capable of competing in top level championships around the world. It includes everything from performance boosting parts like camshafts and engine management systems to allow the motor to rev higher and produce more horsepower, through to

For more information on official Yamaha racing parts for motocross and road racing visit www.yamaha-racingparts.com or contact your national Yamaha distributor.

the many small brackets and assemblies needed to convert the R1 from road to race spec. A similar kit allows the YZF-R6 to be 50 INSIDER

INSIDER 51

David versus the Goliaths David Frétigné was no stranger to success on his two-wheel-drive Yamaha WR450F 2-Trac, so he wasn’t going to be intimidated when he went to play with the big boys in the world’s toughest bike race – the Dakar rally WORDS: TOM JACOBS

AND

PAUL TAYLOR PICTURES: DPPI

DAVID FRÉTIGNÉ IS a man in demand.

A few months ago he was virtually unknown, a four-time French enduro champion who had rarely ventured onto the world stage. Now, since his sensational debut in the Dakar rally, his life is a blizzard of media engagements as France trumpets him as possible successor to the great Stéphane Peterhansel, the most successful Dakar competitor of all time.

Dakar is the ultimate bike race. With 11,052 km of the world’s most unforgiving terrain to be covered in just 18 days, it takes a special blend of skill, bravery, endurance and mechanical knowledge just to finish, let alone win. A typical Dakar day can involve up to 12 hours in the saddle and experience counts. Riders have to pace themselves, navigate and carry out any minor repairs. It’s a tough, tough challenge.

And there are no luxury motorhomes or five star hotels at the end of the day, just a small tent and a sleeping bag.

Thing is, he loves it. As we sit down with the same questions he’s answered since the end of January, David is still bubbling with the enthusiasm of a kid who’s just

52 INSIDER

INSIDER 53

woken up on Christmas morning to find

Atrous and finishing seventh overall. Learned

that Santa got his list and has had the

Dakar watchers nodded their heads know-

guys opened up the old motor and saw

will be the human contact in bivouac with

slower in a straight line than the bigger

elves working overtime.

ingly, commenting on the 33-year-old

that it was still as good as new. That was

the other competitors, or should I say riders,

capacity bikes, the 2-Trac’s main advantage

Frenchman’s intelligent riding and endless

encouraging, and as I knew the bike was

because first of all you’re competing

is that it is so easy to ride. And as Nani

enthusiasm.

capable of taking more punishment I

against the race. It’s nice to hear others tell

Roma celebrated his outright victory, so

decided that I could go and push harder.

about how their day went, and understand

David Frétigné contemplated his future in

I went out and won the next stage.

how the race is different for everybody.

the event.

“It was everything I thought it would be - possibly even more,” he explains. “It was better because I did so well in what was my

For an enduro rider like Frétigné it was a

first participation, but also because I didn’t

huge step, going from two and three day

expect the impact of the race to be so big.

events to the Dakar challenge. “The worst

“I was talking to the media for 15 days continuously when I came home from the

“After they made the engine switch the

“My victories in Europe were great of

strong sensations. Another good memory

We all helped each other out when needed

As Frétigné explained, despite being

“I would like to build my experience and

parts were getting up at four in the morning

course. But it didn’t really come as that

because you realise that it is such an

eventually to win Dakar. Whether that is

to start a long stage,” he explained.

much of a surprise since the first stages are

extremely demanding event.”

possible or not will also depend on the

Dakar. It’s amazing. Since the Dakar I’ve

“You can’t get as much sleep as you

been getting television coverage at local

want. The fatigue just builds up and you

races and that has never happened to me

need to develop your own system to allow

before. Not only is that a good thing for

you to be effective with your time from the

nice and the stage itself was brilliant. I had

me personally and my Yamaha Motor

moment you reach the bivouac. You need

no idea how hard I was going so it just

ing the imagination of both the public and

as an enduro. The main difference is

France team, but also for the sport of

to eat and wash quickly, take care of the

blew me away when I heard at a check-

the many privateers who have already

simply that you have to ride for so long

enduro in general. People now know

bike and set everything up for the next

point that I was lying third. At one point I

enquired about running production

each day. Having competed in one I can’t

that I come from enduro and if that helps

day in as little time as possible, to allow

struggled with my electronic roadbook and

machines in next year’s rally.

wait to do another.”

to make our sport more popular then

you to get as much rest as you can. It is

couldn’t fix it myself so I was waiting for

I’m delighted.”

unbelievably cold in Morocco at night. The

Fabrizio Meoni just so I could follow him.

difference between the temperatures during

To win in the end was just amazing.”

The reason for the media attention is the impact that Frétigné and the 450cc 2-Trac made on their Dakar debuts. Up against

the day and at night is quite incredible.

“I started very cautiously as I wasn’t sure

so similar to enduro races. My win in the African special was a real thrilling experience.

“I had fun on the bike, the weather was

Every rider enters the Dakar because it is their dream to enter, because they want

dozens of experienced riders on 660cc and

how hard I could push the engine (Dakar

to put themselves through the ultimate

950cc machines, they won the first two

rules state that you can only replace the

challenge of man and machine versus the

timed stages to lead the rally as it moved

engine once during the rally - Ed). My main

elements. Whether the results say they

to the African ground war. It was no fluke

objective was always to make it to the finish

finish first or 101st, every competitor who

either. As the competitors hit the big dunes

and I didn’t want to ruin the bike. Up to

reaches Dakar has won their own personal

and long fast stages, the big guns couldn’t

Morocco we were competitive with the rest

battle. For David, it was no different:

shake off the challenge of the little 450.

of the field, but it was only when the

“Riding in the dunes was just an amazing

mechanics switched engines on the rest day

experience, overwhelming, it’s like going

that I realized I could go and push harder.

down slopes when skiing. It gives you some

Frétigné then astounded them by winning the stage from Bamako to Ayoun El

54 INSIDER

As expected it had proved a tough

evolution of the Dakar regulations and

journey. Of the 400 who left France, just

how that suits our bike. I had actually

163 (41 percent) made it to Senegal.

expected it to be tougher. From a riding

The 2-Trac performed faultlessly, captur-

point of view it was not nearly as technical

“There are no luxury motorhomes at the end of the day, just a tent and a sleeping bag”

INSIDER 55

2-Trac: past, present and future

Desert gear Check out some of these features on the WR450F 2-Trac Dakar bike…

TWO-WHEEL-DRIVE MOTORCYCLES ARE by

earlier when exiting corners. The two

enduro machines have been competing

no means a new concept. A look back in

companies tested and evaluated a wide

in rally events since 1999. So far all the

the annals of history shows that the earliest

range of mechanical and hydraulic drive

2-Tracs that have made a public appearance

recorded two-wheel-drive machine was a

systems before settling on the current

have been off-roaders but that is not the

1924 Raleigh that competed in trials events.

2-Trac technology.

only possible application. Another

In the 80 years since, designers have seen

A chain-driven hydraulic pump located above the gearbox sends fluid via high

be adapted to suit virtually any motorcycle

have been unable to find a practical solution

pressure hoses to power the hydraulic

without requiring major changes to the

due to the mechanical complexities of driving

motor in the front wheel hub. It's a self-

engine or chassis.

the front wheel.

regulating system. Hydraulic pressure to

versions of the R1 and R6 arriving in show-

negative as well as a positive benefit to

traction - but the front wheel can never

rooms soon? It's probably a bit too soon to

two-wheel-drive. Previously all mechanical

spin faster than the rear. When the rider is

say, but Yamaha has tested prototype systems

systems had indeed offered improved traction,

coasting there is no power supplied to the

on sports bikes with stunning results.

but most of the pioneering systems required

front - but if the throttle is opened sharply

at least three drive chains. The extra weight,

and the rear starts to lose traction, the

the first time they felt that the bike was

gearing problems and serious compromises

sudden increase in pump rotation speed

down on power," explains Lars Jansson,

to the design of the front suspension

boosts the fluid pressure and a significant

the R&D manager in charge of the 2-Trac

meant that the dream of an all-wheel-drive

proportion of the engine's output is directed

project at Öhlins. "It doesn't powerslide

machine was all but forgotten until

to the front wheel. If the rate of rear wheel

in the corners but was much faster

Yamaha's research into a new two-wheel-

spin continues to increase, the amount of

because we reduced the excessive wheel

drive system for motorcycles was initiated

power directed to the front wheel also

spin and made effective front wheel

in 1985 in association with Öhlins, the

increases - the proportion of power fed

pulling force of it."

Yamaha-owned suspension specialist.

through the front being controlled by both

would not only lead to improved traction, but would also increase high-speed stability and allow the rider to get on the throttle

Navigation system With over 11,000km of wide open and featureless terrain, getting lost is an occupational hazard for Dakar competitors. The road book is powered by an electric motor but can be wound on manually if required. A GPS unit is also fitted and provides a back-up in case of accident damage to the road book, although GPS is banned on certain stages.

A two-wheel-drive version of the WR450F enduro machine is on sale now

rate of spin.

and Yamaha says that it is monitoring

was unveiled in 1998 and prototype 2-Trac

Yamaha Motor France makes a readily available rally kit which contains all the parts needed to turn the WR450F into a desert racer. The kit contains a large windscreen for rider comfort, high power headlamps, a large fuel tank for extended range and high level exhausts, as well as many detail touches like the metal sump guard.

"When experienced riders tried it for

the throttle position and the rear wheel's The first prototype, a YZ250 motocrosser,

Rally kit

Does that mean that we'll see 2-Trac

the front wheel increases as the rear loses

Öhlins knew that two-wheel-drive

The unique feature of the WR450F 2-Trac is its two-wheel-drive system. The front hub contains a hydraulic motor, which is set in motion by the pressure of the fluid pumped from a motor located on top of the gearbox. By driving the front wheel, the 2-Trac recorded top speeds around 10 percent higher than that of a standard WR450F in deep sand.

advantage of the 2-Trac system is that it can

the benefits of driving both wheels - but

As with most things there was a

Front wheel drive

potential demand with a view to adopting 2-Trac on a wider range of machines.

2004 Production WR450F 2-Trac goes on sale in March. David Frétigné wins the 450 class at the 26th Dakar rally on his WR450F 2-Trac, winning three stages outright and finishing seventh overall.

2-Trac timeline 1998

2-Trac-equipped Yamaha YZ250 unveiled in Sweden.

56 INSIDER

1999 Yamaha Belgarda team riders Antonio Colombo and Angelo Signarelli enter UAE Desert Challenge with TT600R 2-Trac.

2000

2001

2002

Motocross world champion Andrea Bartolini tests TT600R 2-Trac.

"The improved stability, traction and balanced power delivery are big advantages," he said.

David Frétigné won one heat of Trophée Andros and finished seventh at the famous Enduro du Touquet on a WR426F 2-Trac.

Yamaha Motor France riders Frétigné and Jean-Claude Olivier finish first and second respectively in the Shamrock Rally riding WR426F 2-Tracs.

INSIDER 57

Insider Database

Welcome to Database, the section of Insider that tells you all you need to know about Yamaha’s official 2004 racing activities.

Riders Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team

Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3

Yamaha Motor Germany

Lorenzini by Leoni

Yamaha’s official MotoGP team. Owned by Yamaha and based in northern Italy Key personnel: Davide Brivio (Team Director), Jeremy Burgess (crew chief - Rossi), Antonio Jiminez (crew chief - Checa)

Privately-owned French team enjoys full factory machinery and technical support from Yamaha HQ. Key personnel: Hervé Poncharal (Team Manager), Gilles Bigot (crew chief – Abe), Guy Coulon (crew chief - Melandri)

Official team of Yamaha Motor Germany confirms the distributor’s commitment to supporting new talent.

Key personnel: Terrell Thien (Team Manager)

This experienced team competes in European Superstock, World Supersport and the Italian championship, receiving technical assistance from Yamaha Motor Italia.

Key personnel: Vanni Lorenzini (owner/manager)

15 October 1972 Sant Fruitos, Spain Spanish London, UK 174cm 69kg 0 2

7

Experienced Spaniard Checa lines up for his fifth successive year in the factory team and his third on the YZR-M1. Since moving to the top class full-time in 1996, ‘El Toro’ has never finished lower than eighth in the championship. A proven race winner, Carlos will look to better his seventh place in last year’s championship.

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

17

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

46

A world champion in 125, 250, 500 and MotoGP, it is no exaggeration to say that Valentino Rossi is a legend at just 25 years of age. His carefree attitude and subliminal talent have made him a star beyond the normal boundaries of bike racing, the switch to Yamaha for the defence of his third successive title creating headlines around the world.

7 August 1982 Ravenna, Italy Italy Derby, UK 166cm 58kg 1 17

69

54

Yamaha GMT 94

MotoGP / World Supersport

Official team of Yamaha’s Italian distributor. Key personnel: Claudio Consonni (Racing Manager), Massimo Meregalli (Team Manager), Patrick van den Goorbergh (chief mechanic – Van den Goorbergh), Carlo Luzzi (chief mechanic – Foret)

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: WSS wins:

22 May 1966 Sydney, Australia Australian Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia 170cm 60kg 0 2

11

Multiple Australian champion Kevin Curtain makes a full-time return to the Supersport World Championship after winning the Australian superbike, Formula Xtreme and supersport titles on Yamahas last season. Curtain made a one-off appearance for Yamaha Motor Germany at Imola last year, where he broke the lap record. Therefore it was no surprise when he was offered a full-time ride for 2004.

7 December 1971 Waging, Germany German Waging, Germany 170cm 65kg 0 3

99

Jurgen van den Goorbergh Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: WSS wins:

93

A Yamaha Motor Germany rider since 1999, Christian Kellner is one of the fastest and most experienced riders in World Supersport. Shooting to prominence during the 2000 season, when he won two races, he finished fourth in that year’s standings. Sixth overall last season, Kellner’s win in front of the factory chiefs in Sugo, Japan, was the undoubted highlight of Yamaha’s 2003 supersport campaign.

29 December 1969 Breda, The Netherlands Dutch Monte Carlo, Monaco 174cm 65kg 0 1

94

British-based reigning world champions return to Yamaha for 2004 title defence.

Experienced Stephane Mertens will join Dean Ellison for the longer events. Other riders will join the team throughout the season. Key personnel: Russell Benney (owner/manager)

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

14 November 1977 Lancaster, UK British Kendal, UK 167cm 63kg

1

The older brother of two-time European Superstock champion James Ellison, Dean switches to Phase One and the World Endurance Championship after learning his trade in the tough British Superbike series. Reliable and ultra-fit, Ellison should have all the attributes required of a top class endurance rider.

William Costes Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

45

Dean Ellison 20 April 1980 Barcelona, Spain Spanish Barcelona, Spain 180cm 71kg

Younger brother of Yamaha MotoGP star Carlos, David Checa also has considerable Grand Prix experience, having raced in the 250 class between 2000 and 2002. Switched to four-strokes last year, racing an R1 in the Spanish championship and winning the Oschersleben 24-hour race with GMT.

Foret’s blend of speed, aggression and will to win makes him the perfect rider for the ‘axe-murderer’s’ class. Rising from relative obscurity to become a race winner by the end of the 2001 season, he won the following year’s championship in impressive fashion. An uncompetitive new machine hampered his defence, but with the YZF-R6 underneath him, Foret should be a regular race winner again.

Christian Kellner Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: WSS wins:

29 January 1973 Angoulême, France French Andorra 173cm 66kg 1 7

Stephane Mertens 1 July 1972 Issoire, France French Issoire, France 173cm 66kg

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

94

Experienced and versatile Costes is equally at home at both sprint and endurance racing.

His career has seen him win the French 125 championship and the International Thunderbike Trophy, which supported the 1996 GP series, as well as the three classic 24-hour endurance races at Spa, Le Mans and the Bol d’Or.

14 May 1959 Paris, France Belgian Monte Carlo, Monaco 187cm 70kg

1

From Grand Prix to World Superbike and World Endurance - the Belgian veteran has seen and done it all in his illustrious career, which has seen him twice crowned endurance world champion. Still as fast as ever, his great knowledge and consistency will be invaluable to his younger team-mates in the longer distance races.

Sebastien Gimbert Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

4

Jurgen found himself on a potentially race winning machine for the first time in his career in 2003 in the form of the YZF-R6. He scored six podium finishes in his debut supersport season en route to third in the championship Now fully dialled into to the tough nature of supersport racing, the Dutchman will be one of the title favourites this year - especially after winning the opening round in Valencia.

60-63 Riders

4

With over 30 starts to his name, all riding Yamaha R1s, Gianluca Viziello is one of the most experienced European Superstock riders on the grid. Used all this experience to win the first round of the season in Valencia, Vizziello is a genuine candidate this year.

David Checa Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

Fabien Foret

Kevin Curtain Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: WSS wins:

3 March 1980 Policoro, Italy Italian Policoro, Italy 174cm 71kg

Yamaha Phase One Endurance

Endurance specialists run by former rider Christophe Guyot and supported by Yamaha Motor France. This year’s strong rider line-up sees GMT field three young riders with Grand Prix experience. Key personnel: Christophe Guyot (owner/manager)

Yamaha Motor Italia

German distributor team. World champions in 2000 with Jörg Teuchert Key personnel: Terrell Thien (Team Manager), Rene Schmit (chief mechanic - Kellner), Jörg Hornig (chief mechanic - Curtain)

4 November 1980 Florence, Italy Italian Sesto Fiorentino, Italy 175cm 70kg

Gianluca Vizziello Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

25 August 1983 Adapazari, Turkey Turkish Braunschweig, Germany 174cm 68kg

Sofuoglu shot to prominence when he won the 2002 German R6 Cup. Last season he rode an R6 in the German Supersport championship, finishing runner-up to the experienced Michael Schulten and convincing Yamaha Motor Germany to offer him a ride in their quest for the European Superstock title.

33

It’s hard to believe that the 2002 250cc world champion is still only 21 years old.

He holds the distinction of being the youngest ever 250cc world champion and with a year’s experience on the M1 he’ll be looking to build his consistency and stay injury free. If he does that, don’t be surprised to see Melandri battling for podiums and rattling his more experienced rivals.

Yamaha Motor Germany

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

One of the many fast Italian youngsters choosing to learn their trade in European Superstock, Alfonsi remains with the Lorenzini by Leoni team with which he finished fourth in last year’s series. Finishing top four in six of the nine races, Alfonsi shows incredible maturity for a young rider.

Kenan Sofuoglu Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

Marco Melandri 16 February 1979 Urbino, Italy Italian London, UK 182cm 59kg 5 59

20 May 1983 Gent, Belgium Belgium Gent, Belgium 178cm 71kg

Didier van Keymeulen spent four years racing motocross before switching to road racing at 13 years old. His first foray into European Superstock came in 2000. Last year he raced in World Supersport but the switch to a professional team in the form of Yamaha Motor Germany will at last give Didier the tools to show his true talent.

The original Japanese wild child, Abe burst onto the scene back in 1994, when he led his home Grand Prix as a wild card before crashing out spectacularly. A Yamaha rider since 1995, he’s since shown himself to be one of the most reliable racers in the premier class.

Despite have competed in 113 GPs prior to the 2004 season, Norick is still just 28-years-old.

Valentino Rossi Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

Lorenzo Alfonsi

Didier van Keymeulen 7 September 1975 Tokyo, Japan Japanese Sitges, Spain 174cm 58kg 0 3

9 September 1977 Puy de Velay, France French Puy de Velay, France 179cm 72kg

World Endurance / European Superstock

Norifumi Abe

Carlos Checa Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

From Abe to Vuillemin, Database brings you the lowdown on the official Yamaha riders in all classes for 2004.

94

Double French 250 champion, Gimbert has the experience of two full years racing in 500cc Grands Prix even though he is still only 26 years old. Has specialized in endurance racing for the past three years, winning all three of the classic 24 hour races in that period.

60 INSIDER

INSIDER 61

Bikes

64-65 Bikes Engine Engine type:

Liquid-cooled, in-line, four-cylinder, four-stroke

Engine Engine type:

Liquid-cooled, in-line, four-cylinder, 16 valve four-stroke

Engine type:

Liquid-cooled, single cylinder, five-valve, four-stroke

Engine type:

Liquid-cooled, single cylinder, five-valve, four-stroke

Displacement:

990cc

Displacement

599cc

Engine Displacement:

449cc

Engine Displacement:

249cc

Ignition:

Yamaha CDI with adjustable mapping

Bore and stroke:

65.5mm x 44.5mm

Ignition:

YRRD computer adjustable CDI

Ignition:

YRRD computer adjustable CDI

Carburation:

Magneti Marelli fuel injection

Ignition:

Yamaha CDI

Carburation:

Keihin FCR 41mm carburetor

Carburation:

Keihin FCR 38/41mm carburetor

Lubrication system:

Wet sump

Carburation:

Suction type electronic fuel injection

Lubrication system:

Semi-pressurised wet sump

Lubrication system:

Semi-pressurised wet sump

Data recording:

2D

Lubrication system:

Wet sump

Maximum power:

58ps

Maximum power:

41ps

Four-speed gearbox

Type:

Maximum power:

More than 240ps

Data recording:

2D

Maximum speed:

Over 320 km/h

Maximum power:

More than 130ps

Maximum speed:

Over 285 km/h

Transmission

Transmission Type:

Transmission

Type:

Six-speed cassette-type gearbox

Six-speed gearbox

Type:

Transmission Four-speed gearbox

Primary drive:

Gear

Primary drive:

Gear

Primary drive:

Gear

Primary drive:

Gear

Clutch:

Dry multi-plate slipper clutch

Clutch:

Wet multi-plate clutch

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated 10 plate wet clutch

Clutch:

Wet multiplate

Final drive:

Chain

Final drive:

Chain

Final drive:

Chain

Final drive:

Chain

Chassis and running gear

Chassis and running gear Frame type:

Twin-spar aluminium frame, multi-adjustable

Chassis and running gear

Frame type:

Diamond-shaped cast aluminium Deltabox III chassis

steering geometry, wheelbase, ride height, with aluminium swingarm Front suspension: Rear suspension:

Fully-adjustable Öhlins inverted telescopic forks

Front suspension:

Braced aluminium swingarm with single Öhlins shock

Rear suspension:

Front/rear tyres:

Rear brake:

Frame type:

Steel semi-double cradle

Frame type:

Steel semi-double cradle

Front suspension:

Fully-adjustable 50mm Kayaba inverted telescopic forks

Front suspension:

Fully-adjustable 48mm inverted telescopic forks

Rear suspension:

Monocross with factory Kayaba gas shock absorber

Rear suspension:

Monocross with gas shock absorber

Front/rear wheels:

20 or 21 inch front, 19 inch rear

Front/rear wheels:

20 or 21 inch front, 19 inch rear

Front brake:

Single 270mm disc with Brembo radial caliper

Front brake:

Single 270mm disc

Marchesini 16.5 or 17 inch front, 16.5 inch rear,

Front/rear wheels:

Standard R6 120/60 17 inch front, 180/55 17 inch rear

Rear Brake:

Single 245mm disc

Rear Brake:

Single 245mm disc

available in a variety of rim widths

Front/rear tyres:

Pirelli, 17 inch front and rear, available in treaded or

Weight:

102kg (in accordance with FIM regulations)

Weight:

99kg (in accordance with FIM regulations)

wet-weather patterns

Fuel capacity:

Eight litres

Fuel capacity:

Eight litres

Front brake:

Twin 298mm steel discs with four-piston calipers

Michelin, 16.5 or 17 inch front, 16.5 inch rear as slick, intermediate, wet and hand-cut tyres

Front brake:

Chassis and running gear

Braced aluminium swingarm with single shock and rising-rate linkage

and rising-rate linkage Front/rear wheels:

Fully-adjustable 43mm telescopic forks

Full technical rundowns on Yamaha’s YZR-M1, YZF-R6, YZ450FM and YZ250FM machines.

Twin 320mm carbon discs with radial mounted

Rear brake:

Single 220mm steel disc with twin-piston caliper

four-piston Brembo calipers

Weight:

162kg (in accordance with FIM regulations)

Single 220mm ventilated stainless steel disc with

Fuel capacity:

17 litres

twin-piston Brembo caliper Weight:

145kg (in accordance with FIM regulations)

Fuel capacity:

24 litres

MotoGP

Supersport

MX1

MX2

Moto GP

Moto GP

Moto GP

Moto GP

64 INSIDER

INSIDER 65

Race Calendar 2004

May 02 08 09 16 30 June 05 06 13 26 27 July 04 11 18 25 August 01 08 14 22 29 Sept.

05 11 19 26 October 02 03 10 15 16 17 31

Welkom-RSA

Misano-SMR Valkenswaard-NED

Jerez-ESP

Zhuhai (6h)-CHN

Matelica-ITA * * Matelica-ITA

66 Race Calendar

Teutschenthal-GER Thiers-FRA * * Thiers-FRA

Le Mans-FRA

Monza-ITA Oschersleben-GER

Lichtenvoorde-NED Isle of Wight-UK

Albacete (12h)-ESP * * Mugello-ITA Catalunya-ESP Assen-NED * *

St Jean d'Angely-FRA Gallarate-ITA

Silverstone-UK Imola (200 miles)-ITA

Rio-BRA

Neeroeteren-BEL

Skövde-SWE * * Skövde-SWE Povaska Bystrica-SLO * * Povaska Bystrica-SLO

What’s happening where and when in the world of MotoGP, world supersport, world endurance, motocross and enduro.

Uddevalla-SWE Laguna Seca-USA*

Sachsenring-GER Donington Park-UK

Suzuka (8h)-JPN

Brands Hatch-UK

Loket-CZE Namur-BEL Oschersleben (24h)-GER * *

Brno-CZE Gaildorf-GER

Estoril-POR

Assen-NED

Database

April 18 24 25

Ballykelly-UK * * Motegi-JAP Imola-ITA

Sun CIty-RSA

Qatar-QAT ** Magny Cours-FRA

Vallelunga (200 miles)-ITA

Lierop-NED (MXdN)

Serres-GRE * * Serres-GRE

Sepang-MAL Zschopau-GER * * Zschopau-GER Phillip Island-AUS Valencia-ESP * Superbike only * * Saturday race

66 INSIDER

More detailed rider biographies and technical specifications of bikes from all classes can be found at the new look yamaha-racing.com website. Yamaha-racing.com also has an extensive collection of copyright-free (for editorial and private use) photography available for download. This includes an archive going back to the 1999 season.

Insiders and members of the media can subscribe to our email free news and race report service, on all featured classes (except AMA supercross). Insiders and media subscribers can also benefit from a more comprehensive photo archive.

YZF-R1 Genuine Accessories www.yamaha-motor-acc.com

All information in this section is correct as of 10 April 2004 INSIDER 59

Riders Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team

Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3

Yamaha Motor Germany

Lorenzini by Leoni

Yamaha’s official MotoGP team. Owned by Yamaha and based in northern Italy Key personnel: Davide Brivio (Team Director), Jeremy Burgess (crew chief - Rossi), Antonio Jiminez (crew chief - Checa)

Privately-owned French team enjoys full factory machinery and technical support from Yamaha HQ. Key personnel: Hervé Poncharal (Team Manager), Gilles Bigot (crew chief – Abe), Guy Coulon (crew chief - Melandri)

Official team of Yamaha Motor Germany confirms the distributor’s commitment to supporting new talent. Key personnel: Terrell Thien (Team Manager)

This experienced team competes in European superstock, world supersport and the Italian championship, receiving support from Yamaha Motor Italia.

Key personnel: Vanni Lorenzini (owner/manager)

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

15 October 1972 Sant Fruitos, Spain Spanish London, UK 174cm 69kg 0 2

7

Experienced Spaniard Checa lines up for his sixth successive year in the factory team and his third on the YZR-M1. Since moving to the top class full-time in 1996, ‘El Toro’ has never finished lower than eighth in the championship. A proven race winner, Carlos will look to better his seventh place in last year’s championship.

7 September 1975 Tokyo, Japan Japanese Sitges, Spain 174cm 58kg 0 3

17

The original Japanese wild child, Abe burst onto the scene back in 1994, when he led his home Grand Prix as a wild card before crashing out spectacularly. A Yamaha rider since 1995, he’s since shown himself to be one of the most reliable racers in the premier class.

Despite having competed in 113 GPs prior to the 2004 season, Norick is still just 28-yearsold.

Marco Melandri

Valentino Rossi Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

16 February 1979 Urbino, Italy Italian London, UK 182cm 59kg 5 59

46

A world champion in 125, 250, 500 and MotoGP, it is no exaggeration to say that Valentino Rossi is a legend at just 25 years of age. His carefree attitude and subliminal talent have made him a star beyond the normal boundaries of bike racing, the switch to Yamaha for the defence of his third successive title creating headlines around the world.

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

7 August 1982 Ravenna, Italy Italy Derby, UK 166cm 58kg 1 17

33

It’s hard to believe that the 2002 250cc world champion is still only 21 years old.

He holds the distinction of being the youngest ever 250cc world champion and with a year’s experience on the M1 he’ll be looking to build his consistency and stay injury free. If he does that, don’t be surprised to see Melandri battling for podiums and rattling his more experienced rivals.

MotoGP / world supersport

Yamaha Motor Germany

Yamaha Motor Italia

German distributor team. World champions in 2000 with Jörg Teuchert Key personnel: Terrell Thien (Team Manager), Rene Schmit (chief mechanic - Kellner), Jörg Hornig (chief mechanic - Curtain)

Official team of Yamaha’s Italian distributor. Key personnel: Claudio Consonni (Racing Manager), Massimo Meregalli (Team Manager), Patrick van den Goorbergh (chief mechanic – Van den Goorbergh), Carlo Luzzi (chief mechanic – Foret)

Fabien Foret

Kevin Curtain Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: WSS wins:

22 May 1966 Sydney, Australia Australian Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia 170cm 60kg 0 2

11

Multiple Australian champion Kevin Curtain makes a full-time return to the Supersport World Championship after winning the Australian superbike, Formula Xtreme and supersport titles on Yamahas last season. Curtain made a one-off appearance for Yamaha Motor Germany at Imola last year, where he broke the lap record. Therefore it was no surprise when he was offered a full-time ride for 2004.

29 January 1973 Angoulême, France French Andorra 173cm 66kg 1 7

Jurgen van den Goorbergh

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: WSS wins:

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: WSS wins:

7 December 1971 Waging, Germany German Waging, Germany 170cm 65kg 0 3

93

99

Foret’s blend of speed, aggression and will to win makes him the perfect rider for the ‘axe-murderer’s’ class. Rising from relative obscurity to become a race winner by the end of the 2001 season, he won the following year’s championship in impressive fashion. An uncompetitive new machine hampered his defence, but with the YZF-R6 underneath him for the first time this year, Foret should be a regular race winner again.

Christian Kellner

A Yamaha Motor Germany rider since 1999, Christian Kellner is one of the fastest and most experienced riders in world supersport. Shooting to prominence during the 2000 season, when he won two races, he finished fourth in that year’s standings. Sixth overall last season, Kellner’s win in front of the factory chiefs in Sugo, Japan, was the undoubted highlight of Yamaha’s 2003 supersport campaign.

60 INSIDER

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: WSS wins:

29 December 1969 Breda, The Netherlands Dutch Monte Carlo, Monaco 174cm 65kg 0 1

Didier van Keymeulen

Lorenzo Alfonsi

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

20 May 1983 Gent, Belgium Belgium Gent, Belgium 178cm 71kg

69

Didier van Keymeulen spent four years racing motocross before switching to road racing at 13-years-old. His first foray into European superstock came in 2000. Last year he raced in world supersport but the switch to a professional team in the form of Yamaha Motor Germany will at last give Didier the tools to show his true talent.

4

One of the many fast Italian youngsters choosing to learn their trade in European superstock, Alfonsi remains with the Lorenzini by Leoni team with which he finished fourth in last year’s series. Finishing top four in six of the nine races, Alfonsi shows incredible maturity for a young rider.

Gianluca Vizziello

Kenan Sofuoglu Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

4 November 1980 Florence, Italy Italian Sesto Fiorentino, Italy 175cm 70kg

25 August 1983 Adapazari, Turkey Turkish Braunschweig, Germany 174cm 68kg

54

Kenan shot to prominence when he won the 2002 German R6 Cup. Last season he rode an R6 in the German supersport championship, finishing runner-up to the experienced Michael Schulten and convincing Yamaha Motor Germany to offer him a ride in their quest for the European superstock title.

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

3 March 1980 Policoro, Italy Italian Policoro, Italy 174cm 71kg

45

With over 30 starts to his name, all riding Yamaha R1s, Gianluca Viziello is one of the most experienced European Superstock riders on the grid. Used all this experience to win the first round of the season in Valencia, proving that Vizziello will be a genuine title candidate this year.

Yamaha GMT 94

Yamaha Phase One Endurance

Endurance specialists run by former rider Christophe Guyot and supported by Yamaha Motor France. This year’s strong rider line-up sees GMT field three young riders with Grand Prix experience. Key personnel: Christophe Guyot (owner/manager)

British-based reigning world champions return to Yamaha for 2004 title defence.

Experienced Stephane Mertens will join Dean Ellison for the longer events. Other riders will join the team throughout the season. Key personnel: Russell Benney (owner/manager)

David Checa Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

Dean Ellison 20 April 1980 Barcelona, Spain Spanish Barcelona, Spain 180cm 71kg

94

Younger brother of Yamaha MotoGP star Carlos, David Checa also has considerable Grand Prix experience, having raced in the 250 class between 2000 and 2002. Switched to four-strokes last year, racing an R1 in the Spanish championship and winning the Oschersleben 24-hour race with GMT.

William Costes Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

14 November 1977 Lancaster, UK British Kendal, UK 167cm 63kg

1

The older brother of two-time European superstock champion James Ellison, Dean switches to Phase One and the world endurance championship after learning his trade in the tough British superbike series. Reliable and ultra-fit, Ellison should have all the attributes required of a top class endurance rider.

Stephane Mertens 1 July 1972 Issoire, France French Issoire, France 173cm 66kg

94

Experienced and versatile Costes is equally at home at both sprint and endurance racing.

His career has seen him win the French 125 championship and the International Thunderbike Trophy, which supported the 1996 GP series, as well as the three classic 24-hour endurance races at Spa, Le Mans and the Bol d’Or.

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

14 May 1959 Paris, France Belgian Monte Carlo, Monaco 187cm 70kg

1

From Grand Prix to world superbike and world endurance - the Belgian veteran has seen and done it all in his illustrious career, which has seen him twice crowned endurance world champion. Still as fast as ever, his great knowledge and consistency will be invaluable to his younger team-mates in the longer distance races.

Sebastien Gimbert

4

Jurgen found himself on a potentially race winning machine for the first time in his career in 2003 in the form of the YZF-R6. He scored six podium finishes in his debut supersport season en route to third in the championship Now fully dialled into to the tough nature of supersport racing, the Dutchman will be one of the title favourites this year - especially after winning the opening round in Valencia.

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

9 September 1977 Puy de Velay, France French Puy de Velay, France 179cm 72kg

94

Double French 250 champion, Gimbert has the experience of two full years racing in 500cc Grands Prix even though he is still only 26 years old. Has specialized in endurance racing for the past three years, winning all three of the classic 24 hour races in that period.

INSIDER 61

world endurance / European superstock

Norifumi Abe

Carlos Checa

Riders

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

Yamaha Factory Race Team

This Italian squad is Yamaha’s official enduro entry. Multiple world champion Stefan Merriman and Italian Mario Rinaldi head an otherwise youthful rider line-up. Key personnel: Vito Consoloni (President), Filippo Lamotte and Simone Consoloni (managers)

Yamaha Motor US’s official team competes in the prestigious AMA supercross and motocross series using two-stroke YZ250 and four-stroke YZ450F equipment.

Key personnel: Keith McCarthy (Racing Division Manager), Jim Perry (Team Manager)

Billy Mackenzie 25 November 1972 Neeroeteren, Belgium Belgian Monte Carlo, Monaco 182cm 78kg 7 73

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

72

The greatest Grand Prix motocross rider of all time, Everts’ haul of 73 GP wins and seven world titles stand alone in the record books. He’s also the only man to have won two GPs in different classes on the same day (he did it eight times in 2003) and for that matter three, which he achieved at the final GP of 2003. Determined as ever for title eight.

Stefan Merriman 7 April 1984 Edinburgh, UK British Longniddry, UK 180cm 80kg 0 0

211

‘Billy Mac’ is one of rising stars of the British motocross scene. Narrowly missed out on the 2002 British 125 title after colliding with a lapped rider at the final round, injury denied him the chance to make his mark as a full-time GP rider last year. Now fully recovered from that nasty foot injury, the tall Scottish teenager is out to make up for lost time in what will be his sixth year with the team.

Cédric Melotte Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

UFO Corse Yamaha Italia

Andrew McFarlane 10 August 1978 Namur, Belgium Belgian Namur, Belgium 178cm 77kg 0 2

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

7

MX2

MX2

RZ Motor is one of Italy’s biggest off-road dealers and most successful race teams.

Works engines are supplied by Yamaha Rinaldi Research and Development.

Key personnel: Ilario Ricci (owner/manager)

Team Yamaha De Carli Team run by respected tuner Claudio de Carli focuses on MX2 this year with Claudio Federici on a factory YZ250FM. Youngsters Manuel Monni and Antonio Cairoli race kitted YZ250Fs. Key personnel: Claudio de Carli (owner/manager)

Claudio Federici

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

5

Bartolini made history when he won the 1999 500cc world title on a Yamaha YZ400F, the manufacturer’s first world title for the latest generation of four-stroke off-roaders.

Now in the veteran stage of his career, Andrea’s consistency and track craft are second to none. Last year it took him to third in the 125 championship and helped Yamaha lift the manufacturer’s trophy.

7 July 1975 Rome, Italy Italian Rome, Italy 179cm 72kg 0 7

Italy’s top rider, ‘Fede’ is a proven race winner at 125 and 250GP level. Claudio’s career has been plagued by injury since winning 2001 250cc Swiss GP. With the ankle problems that dogged him in 2002 and 2003 improved, he moves to the MX2 (formerly 125) class, where he must be considered a front runner on his factory YZ250FM.

Alessio Chiodi Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight: World titles: GP wins:

17 March 1973 Salo, Italy Italian Brescia, Italy 164cm 66kg 3 26

More detailed rider biographies and technical specifications of bikes from all classes can be found

4

at the new look yamaha-racing.com website.

1

A former trials, road race and motocross champion at national level, Merriman has found his true vocation in enduro, having netted three world titles in the past five years.

With his own distinctive style and a focus and determination that few riders can match, Merriman joins Yamaha after winning the 250cc two-stroke crown last season.

Bartosz Oblucki Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

21 February 1981 Varsavia, Poland Polish Gora Kalwaria, Poland 180cm 74kg

10

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

18 March 1975 West Palm Beach, Flo. American Dade City, Florida 178cm 79kg

15

‘Red dog’ is one of the toughest and most reliable riders on the American scene. The AMA’s rookie of the year back in 1992, he’s been part of the Yamaha Factory Race Team since 2001. For 2004 he switches from the four-stroke YZ450F to the two-stroke YZ250 for supercross, while sticking with the thumper in the outdoor series.

Chad Reed Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

15 March 1982 Kurri Kurri, Australia Australia Dade City, Florida 180cm 77kg

22

David Vuillemin

Mario Rinaldi Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

Tim Ferry

The 2003 supercross world champion is one of the biggest talents in off-road racing. A two-times Australian supercross champion, he spent a year in Europe racing motocross GPs. After ending his 250GP season as vice-champion he travelled Stateside to begin fulfilling his dream of becoming the world’s greatest supercross rider.

‘Bart’2003 The is one supercross of the most world exciting champion young is one talents of the in the biggest enduro talents world in championship. off-road racing today. Aoftwo-times Winner his national Australian championship supercross fivechampion, times, Oblucki he spent has twice a yearfinished in Europe runner-up racing in motocross the 125cc European GPs. Afterjunior endingseries. his 250GP Third in season the 250cc as vice-champion four-stroke world he traveled championship Statesidein win the 2002, theeast 23-year-old coast 125will titlebeand onebegin to look fulfilling out forhisthis dream season. of becoming the world’s

17 March 1966 Monterotondo, Italy Italian Monterotondo, Italy 178cm 78kg

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

16

25 November 1972 Berre, France French Murrietta, California 187cm 78kg

12

Le Cobra twice won the European supercross title and finished runner-up in the 125cc motocross world championship before heading to the States in 1998. A Yamaha man throughout his US career, Vuillemin’s successes include winning the supercross world title in 1999 and being part of France’s 2001 Motocross des Nations winning team.

’Super Mario’ is one of the most popular and well-respected characters in world enduro.

A four-stroke rider throughout his long and illustrious career, Rinaldi has five world titles and numerous ISDE gold medals to his credit. Still capable of producing great results, 2004 will mark Mario’s 15th year in world championship competition.

Simone Tonelli Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

22

24 March 1973 Tauranga, New Zealand Australian London, UK 165cm 70kg

4 July 1977 La Spezia, Italy Italian La Spezia, Italy 176cm 68kg

41

Another promising Italian rider to come under the wing of the UFO Corse Yamaha squad, Tonelli switches to the four-stroke WR250F after finishing runner-up in last year’s Italian 250cc two-stroke championship on a WR250. With an experienced team around him, expect to see Tonelli make good progress in 2004.

Andrea Beconi Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

13 November 1982 Florence, Italy Italian Signa, Italy 182cm 75kg

41

The UFO Corse Yamaha team’s sole entrant in the Enduro 2 category, Beconi is another of the promising young riders in the squad. A three-time Italian junior champion and runner up in last year’s 250cc two-stroke European series, the 21-year-old will ride a fourstroke WR450F in his first year season as a full-time world championship rider.

Dakar

motocross MX1/ MX2

Andrea Bartolini 4 November 1968 Imola, Italy Italian Casalfiumarese, Italy 172cm 67kg 1 14

15

A four-times Australian champion, ‘Sharky’ has been consistently fast since coming to Europe for the 2001 campaign. Joining the official Rinaldi-run Yamaha squad in the 500cc class, McFarlane finished eighth in his debut season, a result he equaled in 250s the following year. Last year saw the Aussie finish sixth in Motocross GP. With those sort of credentials, McFarlane should be a major player in MX2 this year.

One of the coming men in the world of motocross, Melotte joins Yamaha after finishing third in the 2003 650 world championship. That included an emotional victory in the GP of his home town of Namur. Being drafted into Yamaha’s factory team is the culmination of many years hard work and a golden opportunity for the 25-year-old, who repaid the faith shown in him by winning the opening GP of 2004.

Team Yamaha RZ

30 May 1977 Brisbane, Australia Australian Sint Truiden, Belgium 175cm 75kg 0 0

Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

AMA Supercross

Stefan Everts

Bike It… Yamaha UK Race Team One of the longest running and most professional outfits in the paddock, Britain’s leading team is rewarded with factory status for 2004.

Key personnel: Steve Dixon (owner/manager)

Yamaha Motor France Ipone Yamaha’s French distributor is hugely experienced in entering rally raids, winning the Dakar six times in the Nineties. Now competing with the revolutionary two-wheel-drive WR450 2-Trac. Key personnel: Jean-Claude Olivier (president)

David Frétigné Date of birth: Place of birth: Nationality: Residence: Height: Weight:

30 July 1970 Mayenne, France French Mayenne, France 183cm 72kg

12

Four-times French enduro champion, David entered his first Dakar rally this year, winning three stages outright to finish seventh overall and take a comfortable victory in the 450cc class on his two-wheel-drive Yamaha WR450F 2-Trac. Will compete in a broad range of other national and international events this season.

Three-times 125 world champion ‘Chicco’ is a real specialist in the small bike class. Last year he finished eighth overall in an injury-hit campaign. Fully-fit, he showed his undoubted class with two second places that book-ended his season. Injured prior to round three, he demonstrated his sheer grit and determination by riding through the pain in a bid to keep his title hopes alive.

62 INSIDER

INSIDER 63

AMA supercross / world enduro / Dakar

Official factory team run from the workshops of Michele Rinaldi in Italy. Key personnel: Michele Rinaldi (Group Manager), Carlo Rinaldi (Assistant Manager), Massimo Raspanti (Team Co-ordinator)

MX2

Yamaha L&M Motocross Team

Bikes

Engine Engine type:

Liquid-cooled, in-line, four-cylinder, four-stroke

Engine Engine type:

Liquid-cooled, in-line, four-cylinder, 16 valve four-stroke

Engine Engine type:

Liquid-cooled, single cylinder, five-valve, four-stroke

Engine type:

Liquid-cooled, single cylinder, five-valve, four-stroke

Displacement:

990cc

Displacement

599cc

Displacement:

449cc

Displacement:

249cc

Ignition:

Yamaha CDI with adjustable mapping

Bore and stroke:

65.5mm x 44.5mm

Ignition:

YRRD computer adjustable CDI

Ignition:

YRRD computer adjustable CDI

Carburation:

Magneti Marelli fuel injection

Ignition:

Yamaha CDI with modified fuel injection mapping

Carburation:

Keihin FCR 41mm carburetor

Carburation:

Keihin FCR 38/41mm carburetor

Lubrication system:

Wet sump

Carburation:

Suction type electronic fuel injection

Lubrication system:

Semi-pressurised wet sump

Lubrication system:

Semi-pressurised wet sump

Data recording:

2D

Lubrication system:

Wet sump

Maximum power:

58ps

Maximum power:

41ps

Maximum power:

More than 240ps

Data recording:

2D

Maximum speed:

Over 320 km/h

Maximum power:

More than 130ps

Maximum speed:

Over 285 km/h

Transmission

Transmission

Engine

Transmission

Transmission

Type:

Six-speed cassette-type gearbox

Type:

Six-speed gearbox

Type:

Four-speed gearbox

Type:

Five-speed gearbox

Primary drive:

Gear

Primary drive:

Gear

Primary drive:

Gear

Primary drive:

Gear

Clutch:

Dry multi-plate slipper clutch

Clutch:

Wet multi-plate clutch

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated 10 plate wet clutch

Clutch:

Wet multiplate

Final drive:

Chain

Final drive:

Chain

Final drive:

Chain

Final drive:

Chain

Chassis and running gear

Chassis and running gear Frame type:

Chassis and running gear

Chassis and running gear

Twin-spar aluminium frame, multi-adjustable

Frame type:

Diamond-shaped cast aluminium Deltabox III chassis

Frame type:

Steel semi-double cradle

Frame type:

Steel semi-double cradle

steering geometry, wheelbase, ride height, with

Front suspension:

Fully-adjustable 43mm telescopic forks

Front suspension:

Fully-adjustable 50mm Kayaba inverted telescopic forks

Front suspension:

Fully-adjustable 48mm inverted telescopic forks

aluminium swingarm

Rear suspension:

Braced aluminium swingarm with single shock and

Rear suspension:

Monocross with factory Kayaba gas shock absorber

Rear suspension:

Monocross with gas shock absorber

rising-rate linkage

Front/rear wheels:

20 or 21 inch front, 19 inch rear

Front/rear wheels:

20 or 21 inch front, 19 inch rear

Front suspension:

Fully-adjustable Ă–hlins inverted telescopic forks

Rear suspension:

Braced aluminium swingarm with single Ă–hlins shock

Front/rear wheels:

Standard R6 120/60 17 inch front, 180/55 17 inch rear

Front brake:

Single 270mm disc with Brembo radial caliper

Front brake:

Single 270mm disc

and rising-rate linkage

Front/rear tyres:

Pirelli, 17 inch front and rear, available in treaded or

Rear Brake:

Single 245mm disc

Rear Brake:

Single 245mm disc

wet-weather patterns

Weight:

102kg (in accordance with FIM regulations)

Weight:

99kg (in accordance with FIM regulations)

Fuel capacity:

Eight litres

Fuel capacity:

Eight litres

Front/rear wheels: Front/rear tyres: Front brake:

Marchesini 16.5 or 17 inch front, 16.5 inch rear, available in a variety of rim widths

Front brake:

Twin 298mm steel discs with four-piston calipers

Michelin, 16.5 or 17 inch front, 16.5 inch rear

Rear brake:

Single 220mm steel disc with twin-piston caliper

as slick, intermediate, wet and hand-cut tyres

Weight:

162kg (in accordance with FIM regulations)

Twin 320mm carbon discs with radial mounted

Fuel capacity:

17 litres

four-piston Brembo calipers Rear brake:

Single 220mm ventilated stainless steel disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper

Weight:

145kg (in accordance with FIM regulations)

Fuel capacity:

24 litres

MotoGP 64 INSIDER

Moto GP

Supersport

MX1

MX2

Moto GP

Moto GP

Moto GP

INSIDER 65

Race Calendar 2004

February 29

Valencia-ESP

March 13 14 20 21 28 April 04 12 18 24 25 May 02 08 09 16 30 June 05 06 13 26 27 July 04 11 18 25 August 01 08 14 22 29 Sept.

05 11 19 26 October 02 03 10 15 16 17 31

Zolder-BEL Bellpuig-ESP

Phillip Island-AUS * **

Lumbreras-ESP * * Lumbreras-ESP Guimaraes-POR * * Guimaraes-POR

Agueda-POR Assen-NED (500 km) (Mon) Welkom-RSA

Misano-SMR Valkenswaard-NED

Jerez-ESP

Zhuhai (6h)-CHN

Matelica-ITA * * Matelica-ITA

Teutschenthal-GER Thiers-FRA * * Thiers-FRA

Le Mans-FRA

Monza-ITA Oschersleben-GER

Lichtenvoorde-NED Isle of Wight-UK

Albacete (12h)-ESP * * Mugello-ITA Catalunya-ESP Assen-NED * *

St Jean d'Angely-FRA Gallarate-ITA

Silverstone-UK Imola (200 miles)-ITA

Rio-BRA

Neeroeteren-BEL

Skรถvde-SWE * * Skรถvde-SWE Povaska Bystrica-SLO * * Povaska Bystrica-SLO

Uddevalla-SWE Laguna Seca-USA*

Sachsenring-GER Donington Park-UK

Suzuka (8h)-JPN

Brands Hatch-UK

Loket-CZE Namur-BEL Oschersleben (24h)-GER * *

Brno-CZE Gaildorf-GER

Estoril-POR

Assen-NED Ballykelly-UK * *

Motegi-JAP Imola-ITA

Sun CIty-RSA

Qatar-QAT ** Magny Cours-FRA

Vallelunga (200 miles)-ITA

Lierop-NED (MXdN)

Serres-GRE * * Serres-GRE

Sepang-MAL Zschopau-GER (Fri) Zschopau-GER * * Phillip Island-AUS Valencia-ESP * Superbike only * * Saturday race * * * No superstock race

66 INSIDER

INSIDER

INSIDER TERRITORY

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