Yamaha signs Dakar champion
Five-time Dakar winner Cyril Despres has found a new home at Yamaha after a long and successful career with KTM came to an end after the successful 2013 eventYamaha Motor France has signed 2013 Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres. Despres will spearhead Yamaha’s quest for victory in the 2014 Dakar Rally on a Yamaha YZ450F-based machine.
Despres is the most successful Dakar rider of the past decade, winning in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013. His record in the world’s toughest endurance race is only eclipsed by fellow Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel’s six victories.
The Dakar-specification YZ450F already impressed in the 2013 Dakar Rally, taking French rider David Casteu and Dutch challenger Frans Verhoeven to stage victories, each as well as holding the overall lead for four days during the first week in the hands of Olivier Pain.
"I am very motivated by the idea of joining Yamaha’s ‘men in blue’", said Despres. "I remember watching them on TV as a boy and dreaming... Within the brand I have discovered a strong feeling of family, with an excellent flow of communication and a technical staff that is motivated and open to feedback. I am certain we will form a strong, united team."
Despres will make his Yamaha debut in the Sardinia Rally, which starts on June 1. The rally has attracted a crack field, including Marc Coma (KTM), Rube Faria (KTM), Alessandro Botturi (Yamaha) and Paulo Goncalves (Honda).
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