To celebrate Yamaha Day on 1st July, which marked the 65th Anniversary of Yamaha Motor, some of the brand's most iconic riders and sportspeople shared their favourite memories, whether that be a title-winning season, or a particular event that remains close to their hearts.

In road racing, Valentino Rossi revisited his epic first race victory with Yamaha at the 2004 African Grand Prix in South Africa, while three-time 500cc Grand Prix world champion Kenny Roberts, fellow American and triple world champion Wayne Rainey, motorcycle racing’s most successful rider Giacomo Agostini and 2009 Superbike World Champion Ben Spies each spoke about their successes with Yamaha.

In 1955, Genichi Kawakami established Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. and racing has been a part of the manufacturer’s DNA since the very beginning. From national championships in Japan, to the world stage of Grand Prix off road and on road motorcycle racing, and today the brand is synonymous with the racetrack.

Hear the stories from your favourite Yamaha icons on the new corporate section of the Yamaha Motor Europe website and stay up to date with the latest news via the Yamaha Racing Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts.