If launching into the world of competition is generally a difficult, uncertain and expensive adventure, there are nevertheless some gateways which, for the lucky ones, represent a dream formula for progressing in the best conditions.
The best known is perhaps the famous Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup of which we will see the 2nd round of this season this weekend at Mugello, but, in a different genre, the program bLU cRU from Yamaha allows, among other things, to also be supported for free in order to be able to progress.
This is what just happened this week for the 5 selected from the project blue cRU at the seventh edition of the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp in Italy.
As Eric de Seynes explained to us with interest, the purpose of this course is not only to progress in piloting but also, and perhaps above all, to become aware of the many other qualities that are required of a pilot today, whether physical conditions , communication or open-mindedness.
For this purpose, the Dutch Finn de Bruin (18 years old), Italians Kevin Sabatucci (20) et Jacopo Facco (19), the French Andy Verdoïa (16) and the Spanish Beatrice Neila (17) were able to enthusiastically participate in multiple workshops, ranging from Flat Track on YZ250Fs with multiple champion Marco Belli, to the racing simulator with Franco Morbidelli and Andrea Migno, through track sessions on the Yamaha R3 handlebars and YZ85 but also jet-skiing on Yamaha GP1800 and EX Deluxe WaveRunners as well as the gym.
In the end, 5 dream days lived in a group including William Favero, Marketing Director Yamaha Motor Racing takes stock: “Another edition of the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp has been completed and, once again, it is superb to see the riders showing such commitment. The Master Camp is not a cakewalk, the schedule is full, so it tests the endurance of the pilots. They, however, maintained a positive attitude throughout the week, and we were very impressed with their professionalism. I would like to thank these five talents for their truly remarkable efforts. Thanks to their hard work, the progress made in just five days is truly incredible and shows why the Master Camp program, as well as Yamaha’s cRU bLU project, is so rewarding.”
“Yamaha is constantly looking for opportunities to take its racing plans to the next step, both in the short and long term. Over the last three years and the last seven editions, the Master Camp has been an important tool to achieve one of the key points: supporting young talents, allowing Yamaha distributors to nominate them to go to Tavullia and learn from best drivers and trainers in the world. We couldn't be happier since, so far, the Master Camp has been able to welcome 31 participants, including one woman, from 13 countries, making it a truly global event.”
“Furthermore, on behalf of Yamaha, I would like to sincerely thank Valentino, Alessio Salucci, all the VR46 staff, the VR46 Academy riders, who played a key role as instructors, as well as Carlo Casabianca, Marco Belli and Alessandro Marcianò. A big THANK YOU to Yamalube, Alpinestars, Akrapovič, Oakley, Pirelli, Descente, Saucony, the Marine Division of Yamaha Italy and the Capitaneria di Porto di Pesaro, whose contribution to this project was of paramount importance.”
Andy Verdoïa : « The first day was very good. We went to Fisio Gym first and I learned a lot from Franco and Andrea. At noon we arrived at Ristorante e Pizzeria Da Rossi. It's a very beautiful place, very beautiful. We also visited the fan club and becoming a member is a dream come true! Later in the afternoon we spent some time at Motor Ranch VR46. Flat Track is new to me, but it's actually really nice! You can slide and drift, it's great fun! I learned a lot from this first Flat Track session, and I think it's a positive skill to have in preparation for the rest of the WorldSSP300 season. I hope to learn more during this week, so thanks to Yamaha and VR46, because it's a great opportunity and I can't wait to enjoy it more! ".
“The second day was a lot of fun! It all started at MotoRanch VR46 in the morning. I really enjoyed the time we spent there, especially because we learned a lot. Then in the afternoon, with the YZF-R3, we did quite a few laps and I felt very good with the Pirelli tires, I had a good pace. I felt really good with the new tires because you can do a really fast lap, but it was important for me to practice with the worn tires. We worked on consistency and did more and more laps, and I always achieved the same time on each lap. It was a very nice training session and good training for the WorldSSP300 championship. I felt ready for the next race in Jerez, where I hope to get a good result.”
“The experience I had on the third day was really good. In the morning we did an Americana run and it was really fun. I had a tough fight with Kevin for the win, so that was something I really enjoyed! In the afternoon, we rode on the Parc Galliano track with the 85 cc motorcycles. It's a technical track, but we were able to ride it with Niccolò Antonelli. He gave us some tips to be faster in the corners and it was great. In fact, the track is also very good for fitness training due to the quick changes of direction. We did a short qualifying session and in the combined times I finished second, so I'm happy.”
“I would like to thank Yamaha Marine for this experience with the WaveRunner. I really liked that. The coach was great, he taught us a lot and had a lot of fun! It was also very nice to meet Franco and Lorenzo Baldassarri at the beach when they came to see us. In the evening we met even more VR46 riders and met Valentino at MotoRanch. Seeing them put into practice what we learned from Marco Belli was really great to see. I am very happy ! These experiences are very enjoyable, and I look forward to continuing the program, even if we only have one day left.”
“Day 5 was good, but also a little sad. I really enjoyed the ceremony. The whole program was very enjoyable. I had an incredible time! The VR46 headquarters tour was incredible. The building and the interior are very impressive, and watching the videos of this Master Camp together in the Valentino office was something special. I would like to thank Yamaha and VR46 for the opportunity to participate in this edition of the Master Camp. You are incredible! ".
