Yamaha Motor's 60th Anniversary Valentino Rossi to Star at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi will make his Goodwood Festival of Speed debut on June 28th to celebrate Yamaha Motor Company’s 60th anniversary.

The nine-time World Champion will race at the Dutch TT in Assen on June 27 (Saturday), before flying to the UK to attend the event, where he will be joined by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Executive Vice President, Takaaki Kimura.

Rossi was a fan the legendary festival before receiving an invitation from Goodwood Festival of Speed owner Lord March and looks forward to tackling the iconic Hillclimb on his Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike on June 28 (Sunday).

The 1.16-mile Hillclimb is the event’s main attraction thanks to its technically challenging course, which rises over 300-ft., putting the skills of the world’s best riders and drivers to the test.

Race fans and motor enthusiasts will be delighted to see Rossi’s name added to this year’s line-up of famous past and present riders.

This year’s theme, “Flat-Out and Fearless: Racing on the Edge,” perfectly matches with the 36-year-old Italian’s fiery riding style and lies fully in line with Yamaha’s 60 year of racing DNA.

Over the last six decades, Yamaha has left a huge footprint on motorsports. Its drive to excite people with sheer pace and performance is not only reflected in the company’s motto, “Revs your Heart”, but also in its Kando philosophy, the Japanese concept of the thrill experienced when coming across something of immense value.

Lord March said: “It’s terrific news that Valentino Rossi will be making his Festival of Speed debut this year. He’s the most successful premier-class Grand Prix rider in history and will be an incredibly popular figure for the growing number of extremely passionate and knowledgeable motorcycle enthusiasts that join us every year at Goodwood.”

Takaaki Kimura, Executive Vice President of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

“In 2015 Yamaha Motor celebrates the 60th anniversary from its foundation as well as its 60th year in motorsports. More than ever, this year we will strengthen our efforts to promote Kando, the Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value. Yamaha’s participation in this year’s ‘Festival of Speed’ at Goodwood results from our desire to generate new interest in motorsport, while sharing our 60th anniversary celebrations with as many people as possible. I look forward to seeing Valentino riding his Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike along the legendary 1.16-mile Hillclimb. I am sure the thousands of passionate fans we will meet at Goodwood will make our participation in the Festival of Speed one of the best memories of this year.”

Valentino Rossi

“I’m very happy to attend the Festival of Speed at Goodwood this year. It will be my first time at Goodwood, but I know this event pretty well. I have read so many stories about the Festival and I have also seen many videos. The atmosphere looks great. This event has the power to gather so many drivers, riders and motorsport VIPs and it is a great opportunity to have fun together. I'll ride my Yamaha YZR-M1 to celebrate Yamaha Motor’s 60th anniversary, but I might also drive a few cars... I would like to thank Lord March for inviting me to the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed. I am sure it’s going to be a incredible day and I look forward to being there!”

Reference Information

Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motor sport take part with some of the most legendary figures from the sport as well as international celebrities regularly attending.