Yamaha confirm two-year Fiat deal

The announcement was made during the official 2007 launch of the Yamaha Factory Racing team at the Centro Congressi Stella Polare in Milan. The deal will see Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards' M1 bikes painted blue and white this year.

"We're very excited about our new two-year partnership with Fiat," said Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing. "Fiat, like Yamaha, is a truly global brand and we feel that there is a great match between our two companies.

"It's good for our sport to welcome a new sponsor of Fiat's calibre and we feel sure that they will enjoy their involvement with our team. We look forward to working with them over the coming two seasons and hopefully sharing many victories together."

Team director Davide Brivio added: "It's nice to be able to finally unveil our new livery and our new sponsorship with Fiat. It's a new start for us - a new bike, a new sponsor and a new challenge as we try to win back the title.

"It's been a long pre-season for us but we're finally ready for the first race this week; let's hope we can mark our first outing in Fiat Yamaha Team colours in victorious style!"