Yamaha targets Dakar 2015

After a fine 3rd place in 2014 and an extremely satisfactory series of tests, Yamaha Factory Racing Rally Team Yamalube set out in search of a new victory in the most demanding rally-raid of them all. The riders, Olivier Pain, Alessandro Botturi and Michael Metge will benefit this time from a brand new WR450F Rally that will allow them to show their full potential on the forthcoming Dakar 2015.

Alexandre Kowalski (Team Director - Yamaha Factory Racing Rally Team Yamalube)
“It is a new start for Yamaha Factory Racing, with the arrival of this brand new WR450F Rally that the riders have extensively tested and developed and which they will be able to push to the limits. Solid and experienced, Alessandro Botturi completes a team already composed of Olivier Pain (3rd on the 2014 Dakar) and the promising Michael Metge. Both among the riders and the technical team the motivation is strong to take the WR450F Rally onto the top spot on the podium. Front runner on the Dakar since the very beginning - remember we were there in 1979! – Yamaha have everything in place to add to their outstanding record.”

José Leloir (Team Manager - Yamaha Factory Racing Rally Team Yamalube) 
“We have just finished three intensive and positive weeks in Sardinia. These extensive tests have allowed us to fine tune the set-up of the new WR450F Rally in readiness for the 2015 Dakar. Clearly we are satisfied with the potential of this new machine and I would like to personally thank the technical team for all their hard work since the previous edition.”