Image: Russell Colvin.

Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF) will continue as naming-rights sponsor of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) series in 2016 when it gets underway at Phillip Island, Victoria, this weekend on 26-28 February.

It’s also been announced by Motorcycling Australia (MA) that Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance (YMI) will feature as the title sponsor of the premier Superbike category.

YMF and YMI general manager Brad Ryan was pleased to announce the affiliation of both brands to MA’s premier road race championship in the country.

“When we began this partnership in 2015 we intended on forming a long-term partnership with a professional organisation,” Ryan explained. “MA and the ASBK organising team, didn’t let us down. That, along with YMF expansion around the world, a new local brand and focus, and some fantastic results in our business meant it was an easy decision for us to jump on board again for 2016.

“Taking a lead role in WorldSBK in 2016 reminded us of how fortunate we are to have such a strong and stable championship as the ASBK and what incredible talent resides locally, both on and off the track. Last year was a fantastic championship, and this year is shaping up to be even better.

“YMF isn’t just a finance company, it’s an industry participant. Through our finance and insurance arms and through our sister brands Australian Motorcycle Finance and mi-bike Insurance, we’re involved in junior development, safety programs, industry lobbying and all types of two-wheel racing. Being the 2016 ASBK championship sponsor is just another way we can put back in to the sport and we’re delighted to be able to do so.”

David Cottee, Motorcycling Australia’s chief executive officer, was extremely proud to announce Yamaha Motor Finance as official naming rights sponsor to the 2016 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli.

“I am thrilled to be working closely this year with Brad Ryan and the whole YMF team,” Cottee commented. “It’s such an exciting opportunity to have the affiliation with such a major organisation, solidifying efforts from last year and moving forward with the partnership this year.

“We are glad to be able to offer our athletes, teams, sponsors and fans consistency of Yamaha Motor Finance continuing as naming right sponsor and are excited to see the development of motorcycle sport with Yamaha Motor Finance by our side.

“We believe our product with the ASBK is an attractive program for sponsors and we are very proud to be aligning ourselves with companies like YMF for 2016 and beyond.”

The Yamaha Motor Finance ASBK Championship presented by Motul Pirelli will continue to announce exciting developments for this year in the coming weeks.