Fiat Yamaha unveiled

It's highly unusual for an auto manufacturer to get involved in bike racing on this level, particularly with a brand that has no direct business connection. However the company is no doubt hoping that lead rider Valentino Rossi's high profile in the European market will lift its flagging sales.

The deal has also raised speculation that Rossi may one day be tied in with Ferrari (which is owned by Fiat) at the end of his bike racing career. So far the Italian star has shown more interest in rallying (with Subaru), but has also had a brief track test in a Ferrari F1 machine.

In other race news, a pair of Aprilia Tuonos took first and third places in the recent Daytona Supertwins race -- much to the surprise of the rest of the field.