Sapphire saddles up with Yamaha World Superbikes partnership

Sapphire Vehicle Services has entered an agreement to look after the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK race team’s two Mercedes-Benz Actros 1851 Tractor units.

Sapphire will also maintain the pair of custom-built trailers, which transport bikes and spare parts to race meetings across Europe and will join the team’s list of sponsors.

The trucks attend 10 out of 12 of the FIM Superbike World Championship race weekends, missing the two ‘flyaways’ in Australia and Indonesia. One trailer carries four motorcycles – a race bike and a spare each for the team’s two riders, while the second houses a suite of offices and remaining race operations equipment.

Sapphire MD Perry Reeves said: “The World Superbike series offers some of the most competitive and best-supported racing on two wheels and as the manufacturer’s official team, Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK is right at the centre of the action. There are clear business advantages for Sapphire Vehicle Services in this partnership – we gain a great deal of exposure for our brand, with the Sapphire logo displayed on the trucks, official race machines, and from next year all team clothing, as well as VIP hospitality opportunities and the chance to network with other partners – but we’re also just very proud to play a role in this exciting journey.”

Team principal Paul Denning said: “Competing to win a World Championship means that there is no margin for error when it comes to our transport logistics across the race circuits of Europe – the bikes, parts and technical equipment simply have to be there on time. We have worked with Sapphire Vehicle Services for some years now, and are delighted to develop the relationship to the point where we can announce Sapphire as Yamaha WorldSBK’s Official Transport Partner. The level of professional service we receive is something for any business to aspire to, and we look forward to welcoming guests from Sapphire and the wider Ballyvesey Group to the excitement of the WorldSBK Championship over the next couple of race seasons.”