Yamaha has long been a major player on the international racing scene. The bLU cRU has also only recently strengthened its presence. In 2022, the single-make R7 Cup racing series courted novice and amateur drivers while the seventh annual R3 Cup in Italy showcased racing's rising stars. Racing is a team sport, however, and no driver claims victory without a coterie of capable mechanics.
This is where the Yamaha Technical School (YTS) comes in. Developed in partnership with Italy's Motorsport Technical School (MTS), the program aims to find future Team Blue racing technicians.
“Creating value by supporting the growth of talent and the development of passion through skills is what we have always done with our pilot programs,” revealed Andrea Colombi, country manager of Yamaha Motor Europe. “However, a team is made up of different personalities and from today our commitment is aimed at the development of mechanics and electronics in the field of racing that can support the sporting activity within our teams and GYTR dealers. »
Candidates started the program on November 18, 2022 and the course runs until February 12, 2023. Once the courses are completed, organizers will identify five promising technicians for five-day training. The first two days of the itinerary will cover GYTR components while the next two days will focus on electronics. On the final day, students will apply all their learning during a track day at the Misano World Circuit in Italy.
“The new technicians will be able to assimilate the vast know-how that Yamaha has in the field of racing directly from the world championship technicians,” added Andrea Colombi.
To help with this transition, former European Superstock 1000 rider and current MotoE World Cup rider Niccolò Canepa will also teach some of the basics to budding mechanics. Yamaha has long been a player in international racing, but YTS assures that it will be so for years to come.
