It was an emotional Grand Prix for the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp team. Stefano Manzi and Andrea Migno gave everything to close the season on a high note.
Manzi had a strong start and maintained a good pace throughout the race. Feeling completely in sync with the bike, he quickly gained a lot of places and set a best lap time of 1’44.054 on lap three from lap 21. Unfortunately, he was penalized for exceeding the track limits and had to serve a double long lap penalty. He finished the race in 21st place despite showing the speed to finish in the points. The team is proud of their efforts and look forward to next year’s success on the Yamaha R9 in the Supersport Next Generation World Championship!
Migno showed consistent pace and rhythm throughout the race. He was able to keep up with the other riders, making some great moves and enjoying every lap. It was great to see our bike back on track in Moto2. He finished this particular weekend in 26th place, gaining valuable experience and new skills. We hope to see him fight again in the sport he loves so much!
More, from a press release released by Yamaha:
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and VR46 will part ways at the end of the 2024 Moto2 World Championship, marking the end of the collaboration that began in 2016 with the Master Camp project. The two companies have always shared the goal of supporting talented young riders, initially through the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp – a five-day training program in Tavullia. In the year In 2017, they expanded their efforts with the VR46 Junior Team project, giving Master Camp recruits and Yamaha bLU cRU riders the opportunity to experience racing across Europe.
Initially competing in the Moto3 class in the CEV series, the team moved up to Moto2 in 2019. They have been working hard to improve their status every year, finally reaching the 2022 Moto2 World Championship.
The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp team enters the Moto2 World Championship with rookie riders Manuel Gonzalez from Spain and Kemint Kubo from Thailand. Both riders grew up with the team, and Gonzalez continued through the 2023 season, which also included Japan’s Kota Noza. González has had several top-five finishes, including a second-place finish at the Qatar GP – the team’s best performance to date. In the year In 2024, the team welcomed a new lineup featuring Japanese rookie Ayumu Sasaki and Spanish hopeful Jeremy Alcoba. Throughout the season, both drivers showed exceptional commitment, professionalism and determination, each completing two P4 races.
The team would like to express their sincere thanks to the sponsors and partners who have supported them over the years. Without them, none of this would be possible. Yamaha and VR46 also wish Sasaki and Alcoba a successful racing career in the future. Special thanks to Sporting Director Galete Nieto and all team members whose professionalism and hard work both on and off the track have made a difference.
Finally, we would like to sincerely thank the fans and supporters who have followed the team with passion and dedication. Every bit of excitement was felt fueling the team’s journey in this memorable chapter.
Tetsu Ono: General Manager – Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. Motorsport Strategy Division
“We are proud of everything the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp team has accomplished over the past eight years. This partnership is dedicated to nurturing young talent and together we have celebrated growth, perseverance and memorable milestones along the way. As we close this chapter, Yamaha is grateful for the amazing journey shared with the VR46 and wishes everyone involved a bright future ahead.
Alessio Salucci – Director, VR46 Riders Academy
“Our collaboration with Yamaha through the Master Camp team was nothing short of amazing. We take great pride in the journey we’ve shared in supporting young drivers as they grow and achieve their dreams. As this chapter draws to a close, we are grateful for the commitment of all involved, and we will always look back on this partnership with pride and anticipation for what lies ahead in motorsport.
