Yamaha R1 inspired by Fabrizio Pirovano to be auctioned… but we want one too
The white, blue and pink Fabrizio Pirovano-inspired Yamaha R1 could be yours if you're flush enough as it prepares to go to auction
The retro-liveried Yamaha R1 inspired by the colours of its talisman Fabrizio Pirovano during the early years of the WorldSBK Championship will get to live its days on the road after it was put up for auction for charity.
With its white, pink and blue, plus white rimmed wheels, the ‘Piro’ Yamaha R1 cut a striking figure when it was revealed ahead of the 2020 WorldSBK season finale in Estoril to commemorate the memory of the late Pirovano, who flew the flag for Yamaha during those first years of WorldSBK.
The Italian - who passed away in 2016 after a long battle with cancer -represented Yamaha for much of his WorldSBK career, clinching 10 victories between 1988 and 1993, while he remained the Iwata manufacturer’s most successful participant until Ben Spies won the 2009 WorldSBK title after finishing runner-up on two occasions (1988 and 1990).
It is his final victory in Yamaha colours that forms the basis for the ‘Piro’ R1, achieved in 1993 after a thrilling battle the last time WorldSBK visited Estoril prior to its addition to the 2020 schedule.
With the machine receiving some serious love on social media, Yamaha has decided to put this particular model up for auction with proceeds going to charity.
"This special Yamaha R1, a replica of the YZF 750 SP raced to victory by Piro in 1993, was built by Yamaha Motor Europe. It was an emotional moment for Alessandro to bring the famous colours back to the site of their last victory with Fabrizio," said Dosoli.
“We’re glad to announce that this unique R1 could be yours, as we will now auction the bike with the proceeds donated to the cancer charity that Pirovano's family supports, Fondazione Oncologia Niguarda Onlu."
A worthy cause of course, all that remains for us is to petition Yamaha to get a run of these models going. In fact, there is surely a line of retro liveries that would look very smart on today’s models… a Castrol-themed Honda CBR1000RR-R or maybe a Xerox Ducati Panigale V4 R or a revival of the Alstare Suzuki.
What would you like to see?
