Merriman Back With Yamaha

Paul Carruthers | February 3, 2006

The following is from Yamaha…

The UFO Corse Yamaha team have signed a new agreement with multiple enduro world champion Stefan Merriman. The Australian rider has decided to renew his contract with the team, with which he has won the world championship title in 2004 in the Enduro 1 class.

Stefan Merriman will start in the Enduro 2 World Championship and in the Assoluti d’Italia 450 class, riding the Yamaha WR450F.

Director of UFO Plast, Vito Consoloni, said after confirming the agreement; “I am very enthusiastic having reached an agreement with Stefan again. For me it feels like a victory, as I am one of Stefan’s biggest fans. Also as entrepreneur I am proud to associate the name UFO Plast to a champion of such big stature. Over the years, Stefan has consistently shown he is a tenacious and determined rider, the UFO Corse team and UFO Plast company therefore have the highest respect for him. His arrival makes it possible for the team to compete for the world championship title, so that we can add further to our impressive tally in Enduro.”

Claudio Consonni, Technical manager Yamaha Motor Italia, stated; “We achieved another important goal by re-confirming Stefan Merriman. The partnership with the UFO Corse team goes back many years, in which we achieved many goals: four world championship titles, both rider and manufacturer, four national (Italian) titles and two Six Days events. These successes definitely prove the quality of our WR machinery and are evidence of the professional qualities of the team. Mr. Vito Consoloni truly has a great racing spirit and remarkable entrepreneurial qualities, which really meets with Yamaha’s philosophy and our will to succeed.”

Stefan Merriman’s first race appearance in the UFO Corse Yamaha colors will be during the Assoluti d’Italia, 4 – 5 March at Acireale (CT), riding the WR450F in the 450 class.