Yamaha Factory Racing have confirmed the signature of MX2 State of Goias Grand Prix winner Romain Febvre with the French star set to fly to Italy this week to begin testing the works YZ450FM that he will steer alongside Jeremy Van Horebeek in the premier MXGP class of the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2015.
Van Horebeek has already been trying new material for the 18 round campaign due to start in Qatar next spring. The Italian team have recently completed a press test of the Belgian’s 2014 YZ and Christophe Charlier’s YZ250FM and will now prepare for Febvre’s arrival where the former Husqvarna rider will sample 450cc power for the first time in anger.
“I can finally start work this week and I’ve bought a plane ticket without a return journey at the moment because I’m keen to get to Italy and then see what we have to do,” Febvre, who finished third overall in the 2014 MX2 championship, commented. “I’ve already had two quiet weeks and I want to get started with my preparation and work for 2015. I know I will have things to learn about MXGP and this new challenge but I believe I’m in the right place to do that.”
“On the 250 I liked to use a lot of rpm and liked wide spread of power but we’ll have to see with the 450,” he added. “From what I saw in 2014 Van Horebeek had the bike working really nicely and I’m sure I get the engine to my liking. I know the team have such a good name for giving riders the best packages they need.”
