Akrapovič and Yamaha Factory Racing a MotoGP dream pairing Akrapovič is pleased to confirm its continued support to Yamaha Factory Racing as Official Sponsor during its bid to secure the 2012 MotoGP title. The second successive year of the partnership will be formally announced at the official unveiling of the 2012 Yamaha Factory Racing Team in Jerez, Spain, 22 March 2012. This exciting combination once again brings together the formidable pairing of technical expertise within the blue ribbon class of road racing. As in 2011, a bespoke Akrapovič exhaust will be used by Yamaha Factory Racing to ensure the full potential of its all-new 999cc YZR-M1 is realised. With riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies in the saddles, the 2012 YZR-M1 is sure to be a formidable weapon. Crafted from selected titanium alloy, the Akrapovič YZR-M1 high-performance exhaust system brings important additional weight saving to the YZR-M1. Every component in the exhaust’s construction coupling springs, coded-standard welds that link the many exhaust sections, mounts and the silencer are designed with minimum weight in mind. This lack of weight is just one key to the YZR-M1’s agility. The Akrapovič exhaust used on the YZR-M1 is created by Akrapovič engineers working in close conjunction with the technical gurus of Yamaha Racing. Akrapovič created the front sections of the exhaust in accordance with a supplied and extremely complex CAD model. But the exhaust muffler design is entirely Akrapovič and unique. Technical brilliance doesn’t just stop at the construction and production stage. Every system is protected with an anti-oxidation coating, and a special treatment on joint sections to ensure stable working tolerances during the high stress load given under severe racing conditions. It is details like these that once again made Akrapovič the number one choice for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team. In 2011, Yamaha celebrated 50 years of racing glory. Akrapovič, the leading manufacturer of premium performance exhaust systems for motorcycles and cars, also has history of racing success to date, in 21 years of manufacturing, Akrapovič exhausts have assisted 64 world champions secure their titles. Last year Akrapovič and Yamaha Motor Europe entered into an agreement whereby the Slovenian exhaust specialist would supply a range of aftermarket exhausts for the vast Yamaha motorcycle range, to be distributed Europe-wide through official Yamaha dealers. This working relationship has moved on considerably with Akrapovič and Yamaha Factory Racing again joining forces. Slavko Trstenjak, head of Akrapovič Racing R&D, commented: “MotoGP is the elite class of road racing and for Akrapovič to be involved in such a high-level event alongside Yamaha Factory Racing is a great honour and a great challenge. “To work with such illustrious company as Yamaha means continual development of the YZR-M1 exhaust system something Akrapovič is used to because the same exacting standards are applied with every exhaust we manufacture. “To be selected once more as an official technical sponsor to Yamaha Factory Racing clearly shows Yamaha understands Akrapovič has the passion, technology and engineering skill required to make a winning product.” Akrapovič Leader of exhaust system solutions from excellence in innovative technology Akrapovič is the leading manufacturer of premium exhaust systems for motorcycles and performance cars. It is also a leader in carbon components and the innovative use of superalloys. Akrapovič exhaust systems are renowned for their impact on enhanced performance, lightweight construction, and durability and sound. Founded in Slovenia 21 years ago, by former motorcycle racer Igor Akrapovič, the brand has grown to international prominence through the successful support of leading racing teams. To date, 64 world champions have achieved their success aided by Akrapovič exhaust systems. The company operates from state-of-the-art factories in Slovenia, employing 500 staff and distributing its products in more than 60 countries.