Yamaha Ténéré World Raid Rally programme
Yamaha Motor Europe has announced an all-new Yamaha Ténéré World Raid team to contest the Africa Eco Race, which will run from Monaco to the legendary finish in Dakar, Senegal from 15-30 October.
"Yamaha has a long and storied history racing in Africa, starting in 1979 with victory for Cyril Neveu in the first ever running of the Paris Dakar Rally. Contesting the Africa Eco Race brings the brand full circle, returning them to the spiritual home of the Ténéré, and confirming the new approach, which focuses on reconnecting Yamaha's Rally programme with the genuine spirit of adventure and with products that customers can also enjoy.
"Yamaha's goal in approaching a 12 stage African rally with a production machine is to prove the exceptional DNA of the new Ténéré World Raid, but also to prepare an extensive customer programme, which aims to support the racing spirit of Ténéré customers participating in national activities right up to international long distance Rally Raid events.
"The new Rally programme will also mark the start of a partnership with Riders for Health, a very special sponsor that Yamaha is proud to host on the Ténéré World Raid Team to raise awareness of the tremendous work carried out by the charity supplying, managing and maintaining motorcycles for health-focused operations in Africa.
"The Yamaha Ténéré World Raid Team will be run on behalf of Yamaha by Rebel X Sports under the direction of Team Manager, and experienced Rally Raid campaigner, Manuel Lucchese. Italian Alessandro Botturi, winner of the previous two editions of the race, and Spaniard Pol Tarres will contest the 14th edition of the rally aboard a race version of the recently launched Ténéré 700 World Raid.