Yamaha Factory Racing riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo were on fire today at the Mugello Circuit, but riders are also more than willing to do their part for the environment: nine-time world champion Rossi has been appointed as FIM Environmental Ambassador, representing the organisation’s sustainability policy, while reigning World Champion Lorenzo has been named as promoter of the KISS (Keep it Shiny & Sustainable) programme.
With the World Environmental Day (June 5) approaching, FIM, Yamaha Motor Racing, Dorna, the Mugello Circuit and IRTA are all working together to promote the green initiative, starting with activities to keep the Mugello Circuit clean over the Grand Prix weekend.
Both Lorenzo and Rossi and their fan clubs, together with other riders, will promote the initiative directly to their fans through their social media channels over the race weekend.
A special press conference hosted at the Mugello Circuit prior to today’s free practice sessions gave the Yamaha riders the chance to express their feelings about this initiative.
Rossi was the first to speak:“I am proud, honored and happy to have been appointed as FIM Environmental Ambassador.
Definitely it is not so easy to spread out a “green” message within our sport but FIM, Yamaha and all the parties involved in this initiative teach us that it is not impossible! All riders should commit to help our world to make one step forward in terms of sustainability.
I will play my role and I will help motorcycle racing to adapt itself to the needs of our environment.
All riders will do their outmost to give the best show to the fans, so let me ask the fans to do their outmost to give us the best landscape throughout the weekend!”Then it was Lorenzo’s turn:“Supporting the KISS Mugello project is great honor and pleasure.
The Mugello Circuit always gives great show on track to the fans but the real beauties of this track are outside the fences: the green hills that surround it! I am delighted to be the detected “media” for spreading the “green” message to all the spectators and I hope similar projects will be promoted by other circuits too.
I want to ask the hundreds of fans who will come to Mugello to keep the landscape clean during and after the race weekend.
I want to commit with you all: if you take few seconds to make a “green” gesture, we will pay you back with a great show on track!”