Moto2: Yamaha, VR46 Master Camp Team End Collaboration

11/20/2024 10:52 PM

It was an emotional Grand Prix for the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp team. Stefano Manzi and Andrea Migno gave their all on the track to close the season on a high note.

Manzi had a strong start and maintained a good pace throughout the race. Feeling perfectly in sync with the bike, he quickly recovered several positions and set his best lap time of 1’44.054 on the third lap out of 21. Unfortunately, he was penalized for exceeding track limits and had to complete a double long lap penalty. Despite showing a pace worthy of a points finish, he ended the race in 21st position. The team is proud of his effort and looks forward to his success on the Yamaha R9 in the Supersport Next Generation World Championship next year!

Migno displayed consistent pace and rhythm throughout the race. He managed to stay with a group of other riders, executing some great overtakes and enjoying every lap. It was a pleasure to see him back on track with our Moto2 bike. He wrapped up this special weekend in 26th place, gaining valuable experience and new skills. Here’s to hoping we see him battling again in the sport he loves most!

More, from a news release issued by Yamaha:

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and VR46 will part ways at the end of the 2024 Moto2 World Championship, marking the close of their collaboration that began in 2016 with the Master Camp project. The two companies have always shared the goal of supporting talented young riders, which they initially pursued through the bi-annual Yamaha VR46 Master Camp—a five-day training program in Tavullia. In 2017, they expanded their efforts with the VR46 Junior Team project, giving Master Camp recruits and Yamaha bLU cRU riders a chance to gain racing experience across Europe.

The team, which initially competed in the Moto3 class within the CEV series, moved up to Moto2 in 2019. Each year, they worked diligently to raise their level, ultimately reaching the Moto2 World Championship in 2022.

The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp team entered the Moto2 World Championship with rookie riders Manuel Gonzalez from Spain and Keminth Kubo from Thailand. Both riders developed alongside the team, and Gonzalez continued on to the 2023 season, which also included Japanese rider Kotha Nozane. Gonzalez delivered several top-five finishes, including a second-place result at the Qatar GP—the team's best performance to date. In 2024, the team welcomed a new lineup, featuring Japanese rookie Ayumu Sasaki and Spain's promising Jeremy Alcoba. Throughout the season, both riders showed exceptional dedication, professionalism, and determination, with each achieving two P4 race finish.

The team extends heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors and partners who have supported them over the years; without them, none of this would have been possible. Yamaha and VR46 also wish Sasaki and Alcoba a successful racing career ahead. Special thanks go to sport director Gelete Nieto and all team members, whose professionalism and hard work made a difference both on and off the track.

Finally, the team is deeply grateful to the fans and supporters who followed with passion and dedication. Every cheer was felt, fueling the team's journey throughout this unforgettable chapter.

Tetsu Ono: General Manager – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.'s Motorsports Strategy Division
"We are immensely proud of everything the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team has achieved during these eight years together. This partnership has been dedicated to nurturing young talent, and together we have celebrated growth, resilience, and memorable milestones on the track. As we close this chapter, Yamaha is grateful for the incredible journey shared with VR46 and wishes everyone involved a brilliant future."

Alessio Salucci – Director, VR46 Riders Academy
"Our collaboration with Yamaha through the Master Camp Team has been nothing short of remarkable. We take great pride in the journey we’ve shared, supporting young riders as they grow and achieve their dreams. As this chapter comes to a close, we are grateful for the dedication of everyone involved, and we will always look back on this partnership with pride and anticipation for what lies ahead in motorsport."

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