News

Nine-time Grand Prix World Champion Valentino Rossi has started to spread his knowledge and expertise in the world of motorcycle racing to the WorldSBK paddock, with his VR46 Master Camp opening its doors to five young, talented WorldSSP300 riders.

Starting in May, the seventh edition of the Master Camp begins with Dutch rider Finn de Bruin (Team Trasimeno Yamaha) and Italian teammate Kevin Sabatucci, whilst Andy Verdoia (BCD Yamaha MS Racing) and his teammate Beatriz Neila also join the line-up – Neila becoming the first ever female in the challenge. Jacopo Facco (Semakin Di Depan Biblion Motoxracing) is the fifth rider in the Master Camp.

The whole aim of the VR46 Master Camp is to improve the skills and professionalism of young Yamaha riders, and is acknowledged by fitness and racing professionals and experts.

The camp has proved successful before as young talent is nurtured and developed under the strong team of professionals, including Valentino Rossi himself. Notable riders who have come from the Master Camp include WorldSSP300 winner Galang Hendra Pratama (Semakin Di Depan Biblion Motoxracing) and World Supersport rider, Alfonso Coppola (Gemar – Ciociaria Corse WorldSSP Team).

Valentino Rossi himself did not hide his enthusiasm for the next edition of the Master Camp, saying: “It is incredible that the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp is already starting its seventh edition! Sincerely, it‘s great that we have been able to make this programme successful and that we are able to train so many talented young riders. It is a pleasure to welcome these five 2019 WorldSSP300 bLU cRU riders to my hometown, Tavullia.

“Helping young racers has been a project of mine since 2014, when I started the VR46 Riders Academy. Seeing young riders progress really is a great reward and also a great motivation to keep pushing and enjoying racing.”

Watch the WorldSSP300 riders and the rest of the WorldSBK paddock in action at Imola with the WorldSBK VideoPass!