The big name and attractiveness of Valentino Rossi made Yamaha re-establish a partnership with the figure nicknamed The Doctor. Evidently, the Japanese manufacturer contracted Rossi to become a brand ambassador.
Yamaha binds the owner of the seven MotoGP world titles to a multi-year contract. Althought Rossi has retired since November 2021, his persona remains.
“Yamaha entered this partnership with the full intention of meeting Valentino’s needs regarding a powerful two-wheeled vehicle for the purpose of training and entertainment,” said General Manager of the Yamaha Motor Sports Strategy Division, Tetsu Ono. “We look forward to working with him to strengthen the Yamaha brand,” he added.
Yamaha made this decision because the company has close relationship with the Italian champion. In his career, Rossi presented the first victory for Yamaha in South Africa in 2004. After that, Rossi made the Japanese team flutter even more.
The Rossi-Yamaha partnership had a significant impact where they won 142 podiums, 56 GP Victories and Rossi won four MotoGP world titles in 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009. Rossi’s astounding achievements, unparalleled passion for racing, and unrivalled charisma make up a huge part of Yamaha’s and MotoGP’s heritage. They earned the Italian, who is recognised the world over, the epithet “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).
Due to age which resulted in decline of his performance, the 44 year old decided to retire from MotoGP in 2021. Even so, The Doctor admits that he still wants to ride a Yamaha motorbike for training and holidays. This is what attracted him to become a brand ambassador.
“We have always considered Rossi as part of the family and when he expressed his desire to stay on Yamaha motorcycles and become a brand ambassador, we worked to make it happen,” said Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis. “We are delighted that Valentino is now officially our brand ambassador.”
Rossi also admitted that he was happy with this partnership. He is very emotional because he and Yamaha have a long history. “During my MotoGP career, I rode a Yamaha motorbike as part of the contract. But even after retiring, I still use a Yamaha motorbike because I enjoy it,” said the owner of nine motorbike racing world titles.
