Yamaha YZR-M1 on Mont Blanc Massif
The YZR-M1s of Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi took a special trip last week to cool down in the Mont Blanc Massif before heading to the sweltering heat of Qatar where they start testing from 1600 today local time.
As the leaders of the MotoGP Championship at the pinnacle of the sport, it was only fitting that the race machines conducted this very special photo shoot in their rightful place, at the highest point in Europe.
As part of a special project between Yamaha Motor Racing and Getty Images, the two 2016 YZR-M1 machines took a trip to Punta Helbronner, 3466 metres up in the Mont Blanc Massif for a unique photo opportunity usually enjoyed by only the most adventurous winter sports enthusiasts.
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team Director Massimo Meregalli braved the -20 degree temperatures to join the #99 and #46 machines for a two-day shoot with Getty Images photographer Guido De Bortoli, travelling to the panoramic terrace on Punta Helbronner by the new SkyWay (#SkyWayMonteBianco) cable car, opened in 2015 to connect the city of Courmayeur to Punta Helbronner.
Having secured their ’selfies‘ on the mountain-top, the YZR-M1s will now move on to warmer temperatures for the Losail circuit in Qatar where today Lorenzo and Rossi will continue their work in preparation for the new season.