Fiat Yamaha

Following the first test of the season last week in Sepang, Fiat Yamaha Team riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo headed to Bangkok, Thailand, to take part in a two-day promotional visit for Thailand Yamaha Motor.

On Saturday Rossi and Lorenzo, who we were first and third fastest respectively in last week's test, made an appearance at the Yamaha Riders Club, where they enjoyed a meet and greet with Yamaha VIP customers before taking part in an exclusive TV interview with the Thailand Night Show.

Sunday saw the pair take part in a press conference with various Thai media before they appeared on-stage in front of almost 10,000 fans to unveil the new Yamaha Nuovo 150cc. Both riders then made a couple of laps on special 46 and 99 replica versions of the new model, to the delight of the many fans. Before leaving, Rossi and Lorenzo had the chance to meet Mr. Nagashima, President of Thailand Yamaha Motor, and Mr, Yanagi, who will be Yamaha Motor Company's new president, starting from 25th March.

Both riders have now returned to Europe to enjoy a short rest before the next test, which takes place later this month at Sepang once again.

Valentino Rossi Speaks...

"This has been my first visit to Thailand and I was very surprised about the number of fans I have here. Yamaha arranged an excellent event for their customers and I am sure that the new model will have a huge success. I have touched with my hands the great passion and enthusiasm that Thai people have for motorcycles and for MotoGP here. I would like to thank Nagashima-san from Thailand Yamaha Motor and Yanagi-san, the new President of YMC, as well as all TYM staff and Yamaha customers, for their invitation, kindness and hospitality. I really look forward to coming to Thailand again in the future, and I hope that MotoGP fans will increase even further."

Jorge Lorenzo Speaks...

"This was my second visit to Thailand and I am always happy to come here. The people are incredibly kind and their hospitality and passion for MotoGP is something unbelievable. Thailand is one of the most important markets for Yamaha and I hope that our visit here will give a further push to Thailand Yamaha Motor's business and will increase the number of MotoGP fans in this country. Many thanks to TYM and YMC top management for their invitation."