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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that we have your up-to-date address details. You can update these by logging into your
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Insiders account at www.yamaha-racing.com and clicking on ‘profile’.
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
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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
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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
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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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