Yamaha Racing has confirmed the signing of Australian Rodney Faggotter, an agreement that will see the experienced competitor join the Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team's four-rider line-up.
Making his debut aboard the WR450F Rally machine at the OiLibya Morocco Rally on October 1, the highly experienced racer will be a strong asset for the upcoming Dakar Rally.
No stranger to multi-stage racing, Rod is a two-time Australian Safari winner and a three-time Condo 750 Rally winner. Making his debut appearance at the prestigious Dakar Rally in 2012, he went on to claim a superb 14th place overall result as a Yamaha France supported rider one year later. He was also the second best privateer finisher in 2013.
Along with a vast amount of experience in rally competition, one of Rodney's greatest advantages is his mechanical skills. Assuming his role as a water carrier, the Australian has his sights set on providing the maximum amount of support to his Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team partners, while also battling to bring his own WR450F Rally to the top of the final standings.
"I'm very excited for this great opportunity Yamaha has offered me, to be part of their official rally team." Faggotter said. "The people who form the team are all highly experienced and I think we have all the right tools to be up front.
"I spent a couple of weeks testing with the team in July and the atmosphere was amazing from the get go. We decided to give the Morocco Rally a go so that I can find my place within the team and get more seat time ahead of the Dakar. From my part I'll do my best to support HÌ©lder Rodrigues and Adrien Van Beveren.
"If everything goes well I'm also looking forward to seeing how my own results go."
"Rodney is an experienced racer and we're pleased to have him in our team." Jos̩ Leloir - Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team manager added. "He's been a part of Yamaha Motor Australia's team for many years, and a multi-time winner of the Australian Safari.
"He raced the Dakar with our support team in 2013 and went on to claim an impressive 14th overall. His job at the upcoming race will be to assist his teammates as a water carrier. His first race as part of our team will be the Morocco Rally, where he will gain precious racing time ahead of the Dakar 2017."
Rodney Faggotter will make his debut as an official Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team rider at the OiLibya Morocco Rally. Kicking off with a short Prologue in Agadir on October 2, the 2016 edition of the event will see participants set off for a five-stage adventure of 1,885 kilometres in the heart of the north African country.
