Yamaha to bring ‘El Diablo’, ‘Franky’ to PH?

Yamaha Motor Philippines (YMPH) hinted a strong possibility that the brand’s latest flag bearers in the field of motorsports might be heading to the country soon.

Such speculation came up after the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer’s local arm issued a statement, raising the idea that it has been years since Yamaha riders last visited the country.

The company recalled the most recent visit was in 2019 when Maverick Viñales was still a part of the team. Prior to that, Valentino Rossi (famously known as “The Doctor”) also made several trips to Manila, one of them was when the famed rider rode the LRT at the Monumento Station in Caloocan.

“And the world has seen plenty of changes since then. A new generation of riders would carry the winning brand of Yamaha on the racetrack,” YMPH said.

Following this, the company cited that Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are the two names that are bannering the marque’s racing team that serve as “beacons of greatness and inspiration to aspiring Filipino riders.”

“With such talent and skill their mere presence would ignite the racing passion of the country.  Would a pit stop in the Philippines be part of their pre-season plans? Just like many racers who came before them, a visit to the country and the love felt from fiery fans would surely be an unmissable experience to have. We can only hope that before the season begins, greatness would arrive on our racetracks,” YMPH said.

To note, the Frenchman Quartararo replaced Rossi in 2021 in the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Team. He earned his and France’s first-ever MotoGP World Championship that year.

Meanwhile, Italian rider Morbidelli was also a frontrunner for the MotoGP crown in 2021 but his campaign halted that year due to a knee injury.

Photos from Yamaha Motor Philippines

Also read:

Yamaha PH celebrates 15th anniversary

Yamaha thanks Valentino Rossi for 16 years of MotoGP partnership

Rossi and Vinales Rev the Hearts of Fans at YGP8