Fiat and Yamaha end 4-year relationship
Car-giant won't be backing Spies and Lorenzo for 2011 title
FIAT WILL not be sponsoring the official Yamaha MotoGP effort in 2011, ending a four-year relationship with the team.
Fiat first sponsored the Yamaha factory team of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards in 2007, and enjoyed two world championship wins with the team in 2008 and 2009.
It seems the Rossi-factor is as strong as ever and his departure from the Yamaha team is the reason why Fiat have chosen not to extend their relationship.
Fiat brought a welcome injection of not only cash but also widespread marketing reach, helping to boost the appeal of the sport worldwide. They introduced special edition liverys for the bikes and riders every season to help promote their cars and brand appeal.
It remains to be seen whether or not they'lll appear with any link to the 2011 factory Ducati Desmosedici, ridden by Hayden and of course, Rossi.
