Marvin Fritz: Fast demo laps on the WCM Yamaha at Misano

Alongside the MotoGP event in Brno, Yamaha Europe organised the ‘Yamaha Racing Experience’ in Italy for selected Yamaha customers. The event took place at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. As was the case during the MotoGP World Championship in Brno, the participants also had to brave the high temperatures in Misano.

Among those present on the Adriatic coast was German World Endurance Championship rider Marvin Fritz, who competes for the Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) in the World Endurance Championship. In Misano, Fritz not only met Yamaha legend Giacomo Agostini. As part of the programme, the German was also given the chance to ride exclusive bikes from past decades around the track. One of these motorcycles was the 2002 Yamaha YZR500 – marking the transition from the legendary two-stroke era to today’s MotoGP four-strokes.

Marvin Fritz auf der Yamaha YZR500

Foto: Yamaha

Fittingly, the blue WCM Yamaha from Bob McLean’s team, featuring the Red Bull livery, also bore the number 66 – the same number Alex Hofmann used during his stints as a reserve rider. “You could say it was a dream come true,” said Fritz, delighted after his ride on the two-stroke rocket. “It was an incredible experience to ride this bike and also to be able to share the track with a legend like Giacomo Agostini.” A 500cc D’Antin Yamaha ridden by Norick Abe and an R7 superbike ridden by Nori Haga were also on hand.

Other Yamaha legends were also in attendance, such as the Venezuelan Carlos Lavado and Luca Cadalora. Le Mans winner Fritz remarked: “I’m in love with the YZR500 and the R9, on which we’ve had some great races.” Fritz took to the track on the aforementioned R9 Supersport bikes alongside racing aces such as Superbike works rider Andrea Locatelli, Karel Hanika, Leandro Mercado and the current Yamaha sporting director Niccolo Canepa.

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09.08.2026 - 10:35