Special 60th anniversary Yamaha livery for Cal Crutchlow

New Yamaha MotoGP test rider Cal Crutchlow will take to the track with a special livery for the start of the final pre-seaosn test in Qatar today.

The Englishman and his test team members will be using the factory's classic red-and-white colours to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Yamaha's first-ever grand prix race.

Yamaha‘s grand prix journey started in 1961 when a team with five riders, including Fumio Ito and Taneharu Nogushi, flew to Europe together with the newly developed 250cc inline twin RD48 and the 125cc single-cylinder RA41 factory machines to make their world championship debut. Their first race was the French GP, round three of the series.

"I‘m honoured to have been chosen to ride the special YZR-M1 with the 60th-anniversary livery today to pay tribute to the hard work of so many Yamaha riders and employees over these last 60 years," Crutchlow said.

"The bike is striking!

"The MotoGP paddock without Yamaha is unimaginable now - they are key players thanks to the shared vision and dedication of many riders, engineers, and staff. I myself started my MotoGP career in a Yamaha satellite team. I also took part in the 50th anniversary celebrations. It's quite special that I am present for both these important milestones for Yamaha.

"I‘ve recently returned to Yamaha as a test rider after 7 years away, and I am really enjoying the experience. Yamaha‘s passion for motorsports is as fierce as ever and that‘s really motivating."

In honour of 60 years of Grand Prix racing, Yamaha will arrange other activities and initiatives throughout the 2021 season.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our fans, sponsors, and suppliers for their support and the constant passion, and to the many riders and predecessors who have strived so dedicatedly for amazing achievements together during our 60 years of participation in the Road Racing World Championship," said Hiroshi Ito, General Manager of Yamaha's Motorsports Development Division.

"Since last year, Covid-19 infections have raged and affected the world greatly. The situation is still severe. Against this backdrop we announced in February of this year that we will continue to participate in the World Championship for five further years, from 2022 to 2026.

"The WGP 60th anniversary coloured YZR-M1 means more than just a milestone and a look back at the footsteps of our forerunners. It is a sign of our determination to have a passion second to none, believe in the power of motorsports, and deliver excitement to the world.

"Please look forward to our challenge for the title in 2021."

The white and red speedblock was last raced in MotoGP, as a special livery for the factory team, at Valencia 2005 and again at Assen 2011.