The last time we saw Yamaha compete in the iconic Suzuka 8 Hours race, Japan's round of the FIM Endurance World Championship, was in 2019. And if you bleed blue, that should make you sad.
But never fear, Yamaha's about to turn that frown upside down.
The factory team is preparing to contest the event, which takes place from August 1 through 3, 2025, as part of the company's 70th anniversary celebrations. Yamaha was founded on July 1, 1955, and it raced in the Mount Fuji Ascent Race just 10 days later. To honor such a storied history, Yamaha has decorated the team's YZF-R1 with significant features from the brand's past, starting with its livery.