FAILED NEGOTIATIONS PROMPTED ARBITRATION Contrary to the information provided by Yamaha in its January 10th press release, Altadis’ decision to initiate arbitration proceedings was taken — as Yamaha well knows — after many months of negotiations during which Altadis sought ways to release Yamaha from its obligations to Altadis. Altadis would like MOTOGP and motor sports fans worldwide to know that Altadis’ commitment to motor racing and MOTOGP remains as strong as ever. Altadis sincerely believes that its decision to seek redress in arbitration for what Altadis considers to be Yamaha’s wrongful conduct is good for the sport, which can only benefit from rulings that require participants to honor their contractual undertakings. Altadis is confident that its position, which it believes advocates the survival of fair play in professional motorcycle racing, will be vindicated in arbitration. As Yamaha has been formally notified of the initiation of the proceedings, Altadis’ response to Yamaha’s allegations concerning the dispute will be given to the Arbitral Tribunal, who will have the final say.