Yamaha’s MotoGP team can breathe a little easier – they’ve landed a sponsor to replace the ones they’ve lost.
The tuning fork company’s MotoGP efforts looked like they could be on shaky ground when they lost major sponsor Petronas, after losing other major sponsor Fiat when Valentino Rossi left for Ducati’s team in before the 2011 season.
Internet rumour had them courting oil company JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation (a.k.a. ENEOS) for replacement funding weeks ago, but they took their time confirming the gossip. The deal comes into effect today, but we don’t have any indication as to how long it will last.
Jorge Lorenzo, the 2010 MotoGP champ, and Ben Spies will return for Yamaha this season.
Peter Sonnekus Williams who succeeded in bringing long term  NASCAR spenders DEWALT and STANLEY to MotoGP has been working extensively with Yamaha on their sponsorship strategy. There will be more brands joining Yamaha’s top team in the future.   Â