The 2005 racing season has been memorable for Yamaha in many ways. Hard work from the riders and teams earned Yamaha riders’ and constructors’ titles in MotoGP and in the MX1 and MX2 motocross classes. However this year was also one of celebrations on and off the track. In a unique event, themed ‘The best of both worlds’ during the weekend of the Valencia MotoGP Yamaha paid tribute to its racing heroes on and off the road. MotoGP dominator Valentino Rossi and motocross star Stefan Everts were of course the main attractions of the evening.

Specially invited guests also saw a meeting between the legendary Giacomo Agostini and Colin Edwards. Asked if he had his bedroom walls decorated with Agostini posters as a kid, the Texan replied honestly: “I was more into dirt track and motocross in those days! For sure Kenny (Roberts) was on my wall.”

Yamaha Factory Racing Team Director Davide Brivio got to share the spotlight with one of his youth heroes: Michele Rinaldi. Rinaldi, now manager of the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team, had made a huge impression on Brivio when he became the first Italian to win a motocross world title.

The respect between the riders from different classes was always apparent and produced some funny moments when Rossi end Everts met. “Of course I knew that Stefan is a great champion, but it is only when you meet in person you notice that he is also a super fit athlete. I think his arms are twice the size of mine!” said Valentino. Everts from his side voiced his admiration for Rossi’s focus:” During a MotoGP weekend so many things are going around Valentino, it’s amazing how he can stay calm and concentrate on his job. I have quite a lot of fans at some races, but this is really crazy!”