Source: Supplied.

Anticipation continues to build for the opening round of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in 2018, as Yamaha Financial Services has announced it will back the Australian round for the next three year.

The now acclaimed season opener, the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian round will be the perfect setting to kick off what is set to be another thrilling season of the world’s fastest production-based motorcycle series.

Supporting the round for two seasons so far, the association has been a successful one, as motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world ascend on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for a stunning weekend of racing action. YFS is keen to utilise and connect with fans of the ever popular series.

“We’re delighted to be associated with such a blue-ribbon event, and look forward to a very prosperous partnership over the next three years with Dorna and the Phillip Island GP circuit,” said Brad Ryan, group general manager of Yamaha Financial Services Australia.

“The fantastic feedback that we received from our dealer partners, the public and our loyal customers over the last two years left us in no doubt to extend our sponsorship of the WorldSBK championship for another three years. Our business has expanded and with it has our support of grass roots racing, as the only specialist captive motorcycle finance and insurance company in Australia, it’s our job to give back.

“We believe this high level of involvement helps us understand our customers better, but is also a way to show our support of the wider industry. We encourage everyone to get behind this great event, and make your dream a reality!”

Circuit managing director Fergus Cameron was thrilled to continue working with the Yamaha Financial Services team, stating: “The confirmation of YFS brings great stability to the event and a solid promotional partner that has proven over the last two years to be creative, committed and customer centred in their approach. We’re looking forward to a super three years together with World Superbikes.”

WorldSBK Commercial and Marketing director Marc Saurina also commented on the announcement, expressing his delight of having the company on board for the season opening event.

“Heading back to Phillip Island for the now traditional season opener is always fantastic for the championship, and we are delighted to have Yamaha Financial Services as event main sponsor once again,” said Saurina.

“To visit such a beautiful area of the world that is as passionate about racing, as it is about the WorldSBK championship, is an honour. To have a renowned local sponsor recognise this is a great asset for the championship as a whole. We look forward to the future and another successful Yamaha Finance round, surrounded by pure motorcycle enthusiasts!”

The Australian round of the WorldSBK Championship is scheduled for 23-25 February 2018 at the popular Victorian venue.