MotoGP – Yamaha extends the contract with Team Tech3

Yamaha Motor Co Ltd and Yamaha Motor Racing Srl announced today in Estoril that they have signed a two-year extension to their contract with the Tech 3 team in MotoGP. Yamaha, which has provided support for the French team since 1999, will continue to do so throughout the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The Yamaha Tech 3 Team, which is managed by Hervé Poncharal Team Principal, is enjoying a good start to the MotoGP season, with American Colin Edwards and Briton James Toseland achieving three front row starts and three top-ten finishes in the first two races.

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with Hervé Poncharal's Tech 3 team” – said Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing – “Our partnership is very long and we are very happy with the significant improvements this year, both on and off the track. Yamaha believes in long-term relationships with all its partners and despite some difficulties over the last two years, we have stuck together, made new plans together and are now seeing the fruits of our respective labors.
Tech 3 plays an important role in our MotoGP programme. They have a great package this year and their first results of the season with Colin and James have been very encouraging. It has always been our strong intention to have four competitive bikes on the grid and we are now in that position.
It is therefore logical to continue investing in the future together with them.”