News 30 Sep 2014

Forward Racing renews supplier agreement with Yamaha

Customer Yamaha Open class program to continue.

Source: MotoGP.

Source: MotoGP.

With NGM Forward Racing this weekend extending their deal with Yamaha and Aleix Espargaro notching a podium result on Sunday things are looking good for the Italian MotoGP squad.

The Aragon Grand Prix saw the announcement of Forward’s new agreement with Yamaha Motor for the leasing of YZR-M1 engines and chassis parts to race in MotoGP in the Open Class category for the coming season.

“This year in the first year of the Open class and the first year of our partnership with Forward,” Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis stated. “The results have been very good. At the moment with Aleix leading the championship in the Open class you can’t ask for better than that.

“But also the collaboration with the team has been working very well and they showed interest in working with us again next year. We opened up the possibility for other teams, the same as one year ago other teams had their chance, but finally it was Forward that put their faith in Yamaha and therefore we are very happy to continue with them.”

On the details of the technical package Yamaha will supply, Jarvis added: “It is pretty much the same level as this year. So it will be a complete engine package, plus a chassis package including frame and swingarm, also some exhaust pipes.

“The other parts, I think this year they are using Ohlins suspension, they are using their own suppliers for wheels and for brakes, pretty much the same as we are. So I think with the experience they have and the same solid package from us no doubt they will be competitive next year.”

Team owner Giovanni Cuzari was thrilled to see Aleix Espargaro secure the team’s first podium in the Open ranks on Sunday at Aragon.

“It was a special day for me and for the team,” Cuzari said. “This is the first podium in the MotoGP class for NGM Forward Racing, for Aleix and for an Open bike. It’s an extraordinary feeling and it’s great to share it with all the guys of the team that have worked hard throughout the season to get this result.

“I want to thank Aleix for his determination and for the perfect race strategy. A special thanks goes to Yamaha for their support. Once again, thanks Aleix and a special thanks to every single person that works for the team in the office and at the track with commitment and professionalism.”

NGM Forward Racing will field German Stefan Bradl next season, but is yet to confirm their second rider as Espargaro looks poised for a switch to Suzuki.

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