Yamaha launch 2011 livery

Lack of sponsor as the factory Yamaha team celebrate 50 years of racing

YAMAHA have unveiled the livery that will cover the machines of Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies for the upcoming MotoGP season.

The factory M1 will feature the plain blue and white speed block design, that was shown during the first pre-season test at Sepang. The launch of the 2011 line-up has proven that Yamaha have been unsuccessful in their bid to secure a championship sponsor for this year, instead opting to continue with their celebration of the 50th anniversary of road-racing.

Reigning Champion Jorge Lorenzo commented on the upcoming season: "I'm very happy to be here again preparing to start another season riding with Yamaha. Winning the World Championship last season was an incredible feeling, but now we start again."

Stepping up to the factory outfit after a rookie season with the privateer Tech 3 outfit, Ben Spies, speaking at the team launch said: "We worked really hard last year to earn the seat with the Yamaha Factory team so it's a great feeling to be here alongside Jorge."

"It's obviously a special year for Yamaha with the 50th Anniversary of GP racing celebrations so I'm really stoked to be part of it. The bike's feeling really good, we've got a few days more of testing now to really shake it down and fine tune the set up and we'll be ready to go. I'm loving the corporate blue colour scheme, I'm a big fan of the design." continued Spies

Testing continues again at Sepang tomorrow.

The front-runners have revealed their paintschemes for the new season. Who comes out top?