March 11, 2021 - Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. joined the premier series of motorcycle road racing in 1961, making 2021 our 60th anniversary in the Grand Prix World Championship. To mark the occasion, we revealed to the world a special YZR-M1 in commemorative 60th anniversary colours at MotoGP’s pre-season Official Test in Qatar ridden by Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow.
The livery adorning this YZR-M1 features Yamaha’s traditional white and red colour scheme used from 1964 and is based on the design for the YZR500 (0W48) raced in the 1980 500cc season. It pays respect to the passion for racing and Spirit of Challenge of the many Yamaha riders and pioneers over the past 60 years, reflects a return to where we started, and a firm commitment to continue our challenge going forward.