As a privateer team trying to make its mark in the world of MotoGP, there aren't going to be many higher honours to be bestowed than having your colours and sponsors officially adorning a roadgoing variant ciommissioned by the manufacturer itself.
This is exactly what the Petronas SRT Yamaha team is relishing only 18 months into an already successful relationship with the Japanese firm, with the launch of replica model that retains all the dynamic poise of its existing R1 and adds some M1 attitude into the mix.
Petronas Sepang Racing Team - to give it its full title – only took up the mantle from KTM-bound Tech 3 Racing ahead of the 2019 MotoGP campaign, but quicklky proceeded to blow everyone away, with a 1-2 on the grid in only its fourth event setting the tone for a campaign in which inspired rookie signing Fabio Quartararo clicked up six poles and seven podiums.
As such, ahead of the fifth 2020 MotoGP round of the season in in the Styrian mountains, Yamaha (YME) has taken the moment to unveil a special roadgoing replica based on the recently launched latest generation R1, developed in conjunction with its preferred European tuning arm, the Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART).
From the outset, the distinctive black and aquamarine paint job is certainly nothing less than head turning, and that very striking blue finish does have us harking back to the ever divisive – albeit very rare now – Petronas FP1 three-cylinder sportsbike from the early-to-mid-2000s.
That is where those similarities begin and end though, because we’d say YART have integrated the livery seamlessly onto an R1 frame that is more angular and altogether more sensible.
Nevertheless, the new offering has also given YART the opportunity to do some fettling under the skin, introducing Genuine Yamaha Technology for Racing (GYTR) carbon fairing kit, racing footrests, an ECU, and quick action throttle.
The brakes have also been re-thought with new GP4-RX callipers and T-Drive discs being added in, while it will be equipped with Michelin race clicks around aluminium Marchesini wheel trims. Just to emphasise its pitch as the ultimate track day Yamaha R1 a little more, it even comes with that favourite du jour edition of ‘winglets’ to improve downforce.
While the Yamaha press release declines to mention the price, it is understood to probably be priced at £46,000 – more than double than the mainstream flagship, but at least still a lot cheaper than a Ducati Superleggera V4 and much more striking. Also, for that outlay you get a KYT Helmet, clothing accessories and a VIP guest pass at the MotoGP round of your choosing.
Beyond the price, ‘46’ is the magic number here as it marks the 46th anniversary of Petronas’ inauguration, meaning only 46 of these very limited edition models will be built. It won’t have escaped your notice that (probable) arrival Valentino Rossi has made that number very much his own over the years…
“We are extremely excited about this project which highlights our success as a team as the first satellite Yamaha squad to score a MotoGP victory in over 20 years,” said Petronas SRT Yamaha owner Razlan Razali. “I am sure the lucky owners of this bike will be extremely satisfied with not only having a great track day powerful machine but be part of our building for success story in MotoGP by owning this limited edition livery.
“The YART GYTR Pro Shop is a fabulous facility and the quality of the upgrades is reflective of the high performance expected from an M1 replica.”
