Yamaha celebrates Valentino Rossi's career with R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute

One-Of-One R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute built by Yamaha

If the name Michael Jordan is synonymous with the word Basketball, then the name Valentino Rossi is to MotoGP. To celebrate The Doctor’s illustrious racing career, Yamaha presented a one-off special edition R1: the R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute.

This special R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute, designed with unique specs, has been given to the nine-time world champion to celebrate the many successful years spent at the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing with Yamaha.

Having made his debut 26 years ago, Rossi rose to become the most prominent figure in MotoGP history, producing some of the most mesmerizing and memorable performances that influenced and inspired an entirely new generation of motorcycle racing stars.

To commemorate his achievements, which included nine world championship titles across the MotoGP, 250cc and 125cc classes, with 115 wins and 235 podiums over 425 race starts, Yamaha has built this unique R1, donning a special livery produced by Aldo Drudi, Rossi’s long-time helmet designer and friend.

The R1 GYTR VR46 sports upcoming 2022 GYTR spec parts and unique features that are all a direct result of Yamaha’s WorldSBK development, which helped Yamaha achieve the 2021 WorldSBK Triple Crown, culminating in the highest spec R1 GYTR ever produced for track day usage. 

A new carbon fiber fairing kit and full carbon rear subframe have been produced, with the tank capacity increased to 22 L which are all designed with weight savings in mind. The Brembo brakes have been developed for incredible stopping power, while the high-performance ECU REX 140 Marelli produces world-class power delivery.  Additional to the GYTR parts are the Ohlins suspension system and GYTR front and rear sprockets.

The R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute was given to Valentino Rossi for the One More Lap event at the 2021 EICMA, which Rossi attended for the first time, as Yamaha pay tribute to VR46 and his historic legacy.