Yamaha has issued a press release announcing the official name of its four-stroke Grand Prix racebike. The release reads:


“Yamaha is proud to announce the official designated name of the OW-M1 machine, which is the
YZR-M1. The name has been derived from the following key elements: The YZR component of the name represents it as a Yamaha factory prototype Grand Prix motorcycle. The M1 signifies Yamaha’s new #1 Mission, which is for the new bike to win the MotoGP GP-1 World Championship in its debut year. While at the same time playing a key role for Yamaha as an R&D test-bed for new four-stroke technology. This crucial data will be fed back into the company’s future four-stroke production models, providing its customers the edge over the competition with the most technologically advanced production motorcycles.

“The YZR-M1’s intensive testing program is continuing in preparation for the 2002 season, and its performance in both lap times and race distance endurance tests have met all expectations to date. The lightweight Inline, four-cylinder powerplant has already achieved better acceleration and higher top speeds than the current two-stroke machines. Track tests have been carried out at Yamaha’s own Fukuroi testing circuit. A further test was then held at Sepang, Malaysia in December 2000, when Marlboro Yamaha Team riders Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa both sampled the new bike. Yamaha then moved to Phillip Island, Australia at the end of February 2001.

“For the very latest test this week, from April 3-5, the testing team again returned to Sepang and it was here that the YZR-M1 completed almost 200 laps and proved its durability, even under extreme weather conditions. Now Yamaha is ready for the next phase, in search of the best balance between the compact, high performance engine and the lightweight chassis–which is based on the YZR500’s twin-spar Deltabox design. These tests will be carried out in Europe at several current GP tracks over the next six months. The YZR-M1 development is on schedule, and it is ready to achieve the next set of objectives in order to be fully ready for its Mission in 2002.”