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Yamaha 2017 MotoGP bike launched with Rossi and Vinales

Yamaha has unveiled the MotoGP bike Valentino Rossi and new signing Maverick Vinales will ride in 2017.

Its 2017 M1 was launched in an event in Madrid on Thursday, and does not herald a significant shift in philosophy after talk of a 'revolution' late last year.

What the team describes as a "refreshed livery" features a deeper core blue, along with several revised sponsor logos.

This year will be Rossi's fifth with Yamaha since returning from Ducati, while Vinales joins the team in 2017 to replace the Ducati-bound Jorge Lorenzo.

Vinales tested with Yamaha at Valencia - topping the two days of running - and Sepang last November, but Thursday's launch was the former Suzuki rider's first public appearance with his new team, one week after celebrating his 22nd birthday.

"It feels incredible," he said.

"I feel really good in the team already, I passed one of the special days of the year with all of the Yamaha family.

"I'm really motivated. This year I'm working really hard, I'm doing everything I can to be the best Maverick I can."

The first of three 2017 pre-season tests starts at Sepang on January 30, before the Qatar season opener on March 26.

Rossi, who turns 38 next month, will be contesting his 18th campaign in the premier class.

"It's always a special moment of the season, because you start with a great emotion," he said.

"We are quite ready."

Zdroj: autosport.com