Philippaerts and Coppins launch new Replica at Nations

A packed Monster Energy hospitality facility within the Donington Park paddock for the 62nd Motocross of Nations witnessed Yamaha Monster Motocross Team riders David Philippaerts and Josh Coppins draw away the covers on the brand new 2009 YZ450F Yamaha Motocross Team Replica. The special limited edition motorcycle - a mirror image of the factory bikes that were steered to 1st and 5th positions in the 2008 FIM MX1-GP World Championship - were unveiled to a hoard of the world’s media at the biggest off-road motorcycle race of the year.

The Yamaha Motocross Team Replica is a project born from the fruitful collaboration between Yamaha Motor Europe, the race team and Yamaha Rinaldi Research and Development. Based on the extremely potent and title-winning YZ450F, the distinctive black and grey identical plastic and graphics are enhanced with carbon fibre elements covering the chain, front mudguard, front disc and sump. 100 of these exclusive machines will be made and sold in Europe and they are expected in dealerships from mid-October.

“It looks fantastic and there is virtually nothing to tell apart from my bike,” said World Champion Philippaerts. “It is a bit unreal to see a mirror-image of your race-bike but I think it is a great treat for Yamaha fans who want the closest possible thing to what we use ourselves,” remarked Coppins.

The Replica comes complete with a gift set including a signed jersey and preferred entry to the new ‘Yamaha Motocross Masterclass’ concept initiated by Yamaha Motor Europe that will see Philippaerts and Coppins giving expert tuition at 3 or 4 venues across Europe in2009. “It is a good idea to be able to give something else to the fans,” added Coppins “normally we can give a signature or a photo but to actually show riders around a track is a great way of bringing Grand Prix closer to the people that matter.”

“It seems an interesting project and not something I have done before,” commented Philippaerts “it should be good fun!”