Akrapovic and Yamaha Factory Racing Dominant duo renew successful partnership Event: 2013 Yamaha Factory Racing launch Akrapovic is pleased to announce its continued support to Yamaha Factory Racing as an Official Sponsor during its bid to secure the 2013 FIM MotoGP title. The third successive year of this illustrious partnership was formally announced at the official unveiling of the 2013 Yamaha Factory Racing Team in Jerez, Spain, 22 March 2013. In 2012, Yamaha Factory Racing and Akrapovic celebrated success in the MotoGP blue ribbon class when Jorge Lorenzo clinched the FIM MotoGP Riders’ Championship onboard his Yamaha Factory Racing YZR-M1, which was equipped with a bespoke Akrapovic Racing exhaust system. This memorable title win also gave Akrapovic its first MotoGP world championship title success to boost the Slovenian manufacturer’s total amount of world championships secured using an Akrapovic exhaust to a record 75 titles. As in 2011 and 2012, an Akrapovic exhaust will be used by Yamaha Factory Racing to help realise the full potential of the 2013 1000cc YZR-M1. Reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo has already served notice of his intention to retain his World Champion status – and net his third ‘crown’ with Yamaha – with impressive performances during off-season official winter MotoGP tests. To further boost the 2013 MotoGP effort in securing both Rider and Manufacturers’ titles, seven-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi returns to the Yamaha Factory Racing fold to be reunited with his beloved YZR-M1 – arguably MotoGP’s greatest and successful partnerships. Once again the Yamaha YZR-M1 machines of Yamaha Factory Racing will be adorned with Akrapovic exhausts crafted from selected titanium alloys and the passion and skill of a company that was raised on racing success. The Akrapovic high-performance exhaust system not only gives important additional and desired weight saving to the YZR-M1, but is constructed by Akrapovic engineers to ensure the Yamaha YZR-M1 delivers maximum performance as specified by Yamaha Factory Racing. 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 Akrapovic the number one choice for Yamaha Factory Racing. In 2011, Akrapovic 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 proved successful with many Yamaha customers and fans of Yamaha Factory Racing able to enjoy the merits of Akrapovic products in the same way as their racing heroes. Slavko Trstenjak, head of Akrapovic Racing R&D, commented: “This is the third season Akrapovic has the distinct honour of working in partnership with Yamaha Factory Racing at the highest level of road racing. “Continual development of the Yamaha YZR-M1 leads to continual development of its racing exhaust system – and Akrapovic is one of the very few exhaust manufacturers who can keep pace with such technical demands and supply such consistently high specification products. “Based on the high level of results achieved through use of our products, Akrapovic has become a byword for excellence. We wish Yamaha Factory Racing every success for 2013. Akrapovic – Leader of exhaust system solutions from excellence in innovative technology Akrapovic 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. Akrapovic exhaust systems are renowned for their impact on enhanced performance, lightweight construction, and durability and sound. Founded in Slovenia 23 years ago, by former motorcycle racer Igor Akrapovic, the brand has grown to international prominence through the successful support of leading racing teams. To date, 75 world champions have achieved their success aided by Akrapovic 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.