Monza (Italy), 13th March 2012 – The Yamaha Factory Racing family gathered last night at a very special location to mark the beginning of a new MotoGP season together. The exclusive event was hosted by riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies. The Yamaha Factory MotoGP stars treated nearly fifty Yamaha Team sponsors, suppliers and partners to a sneak preview; the 2012 1000cc Yamaha YZR-M1 was unveiled in full livery in the atmospheric wine cellars of Gruppo Meregalli in the historic town of Monza, Italy. Lin Jarvis: “Having started this season with two positive tests in Sepang it was a pleasure to then be able to share these experiences together with our large family of sponsors and partners. This unique location close to our headquarters and workshops here in Monza provided the perfect backdrop. I would like to thank Marcello Meregalli and his team for hosting us so elegantly for this occasion. The evening was charged with positivity and optimism for the season ahead. We are all eager to first get to Jerez for our official team launch and then soon after the Qatar Grand Prix. We’re almost ready and everybody is excited at the prospect of the first race.”