Yamaha has completed its official 2017 MotoGP team presentation in Madrid, revealing the new colour scheme for its racers.
Those hoping to spot vast technical changes on the bikes will be disappointed, though. The YZR-M1 machines at the launch looked much like last years’ models, albeit with new paint.
The colours themselves include a darker shade of blue and the lower white section from 2016 has been removed. The sponsors are unchanged.
The bike of team newcomer Maverick Vinales appears to be identical to the ones revealed 12 months ago, while Valentino Rossi’s version sported slight alterations. Rossi’s bike was the version that he was riding near the end of 2016. The forks and frame were slightly different to Vinales’ version.
However, the bikes at the launch might well simply be leftovers from last year, repainted to suit. By the opening race of the 2017 season, both riders are likely to have updated, 2017-spec versions of the M1.
At the launch, both riders spoke of the upcoming season.
Valentino Rossi said: “After the winter break the team launch is always a very exciting time for everybody, not only for us, the riders and the team, but also for the fans. Sincerely, I’m just as happy as they are to start the new season, I have missed riding my bike. The pre-season test in Sepang will be an interesting moment, we will get a good idea of our level and it’s also the first time I’ll get to take the YZR-M1 out on track in its 2017 colours.
“This is the fourth year that Movistar will be our team’s title sponsor. In the last three years, we enjoyed some fantastic battles and great results and this season the target remains the same: to be competitive again and fight for the victory in every race. I have a new strong teammate and I think we can have a lot of fun this season.”
Maverick Viñales added: “After the test in Valencia and Malaysia I got off the bike feeling very happy because I was on the level I wanted to be at. The whole Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team can’t wait to start the season because we know we can be at a 100% level and compete at the front.
“Today we revealed the bike and it looks beautiful, I wish I could start riding it right now! When I was a kid, I used to watch Valentino riding his M1 and now I’m here at the team launch, it’s like a dream come true! I’m so happy and motivated and I’m ready to give it my all. I want to thank Yamaha, Movistar and of course the team. They have welcomed me very warmly, so it is a great start to the season already.
“Honestly speaking, I was quite surprised by the family-feel, because on the outside you see a very serious and professional team, but as soon as I went inside the box I felt incredible. I’m really pleased to be here, at Telefónica Headquarters in Madrid, and thanks to everyone for coming to support us. It’s going to be a great year!”