Double World Superbike Champion Troy Corser visited the headquarters
of Yamaha Italia today and met the people he’ll be working with on
his new challenge - racing the all-new Yamaha YZF-R1 in next year’s
WSBK Championship. Troy was welcomed by Mr Shigeo Hayakawa -
President and Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Italy - and
introduced to all the staff. Troy was a little taken aback by the
warmth of the welcome he was given, but happy that so many of the
staff were already fans of his. During the visit, Troy was shown the
R & D area and met the technicians and mechanics he will be working
with. The first time Troy will throw his leg over a YZF-R1 will be at
Mugello on October 24th and 25th, but that will be on this year’s
bike. His first scheduled appearance on next year’s bike will be at
the Valencia tests on November 124th and 15th.

TROY
It was great to meet everybody today and I was a little surprised at
how warmly I was received. I’ve even got some fans here! I was very
impressed with Yamaha Motor Italy’s technical facilities and now I’m
really looking forward to working with Maio (Meregalli) and Yamaha.
Two years ago, we nearly worked together, so it’s fantastic to get
another opportunity. I can’t wait to ride the new Yamaha, but I guess
that’ll have to wait until the tests in November. In the meantime,
I’ll be able to have a go on this year’s bike, at Mugello on October
24th and 25th, and get an idea of what Nori (Haga) has been riding
this season. Yamaha is a new challenge for me and I really think that
our team is the strongest in the championship - one that could give
Yamaha their first ever World Superbike title. Obviously, I’d like to
be the one crowned champion - with Nori runner-up of course!

SHIGEO HAYAKAWA (President and Managing director - Yamaha Motor Italy)
It’s a great pleasure to welcome Troy into our family. I know he is a
great racer and very motivated to win the title again. For 2007, we
have a great rider line-up - Troy and Nori - and both are able to
take the ultimate prize.

CLAUDIO CONSONNI (Racing General Manager)
We tried to get Troy two years ago and now I’m happy that we’ve
finally got him! We have two very strong riders and both are capable
of taking the title. I’m sorry for Andrew Pitt and would like to
thank him for all the good work he has done for us. I would like to
wish him all the best in the future.