So is the case for Vertex Pistons with Yamaha Factory Racing. The Italian engineering company linked up with Michele Rinaldi’s operation in 1992 and their input and material into the works engine for Grand Prix paid instant dividends as Donny Schmit claimed the 250cc World Championship.

“Michele decided to create a special workshop to tune the engine and work on the settings because it was the step needed to beat the competition,” recollects current Yamaha Team Manager Mino Raspanti. “His goal was to have the best people and partners to get the best out of an engine. It was great for us as a race team to be able to throw ideas at these people and get an instant response.”

Vertex’s own website has a useful timeline of their company’s growth to encompass vast distribution and even into the United States where renowned operations and teams like Pro Circuit started embracing their technology. Now their engine work is far ranging into the sport of motocross. Raspanti sheds some light into how the team and factory operation work with partners like the Italians from Cadelbosco Sopra (close to Modena).

“Normally when we finish the season we have a meeting together. The team might have some requests for the race engine and R&D might have some ideas. There is also dialogue during the season and reports are sent after each race. In the last few years we have worked together through the year compared to the past when most of the input was made in the winter.”

“We had riders in both classes, MXGP and MX2, and for sure it is important to have a good engine but especially so in MX2 where the type of power – and as much of it as possible – is important and makes the difference.”

Yamaha are about to launch their 2015 racing campaign this weekend as Jeremy Van Horebeek and Romain Febvre take to the line at Riola Sardo in Sardinia for the first round of the Internazionali D’Italia.

To see and read more about Vertex Pistons click HERE

Photo by Ray Archer