Another company signs on with Rossi’s team

Japanese manufacturer Exedy Corporation has signed a one-year deal with the Fiat Yamaha MotoGP team, which will see it become an official sponsor of the bikes of riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

The company will supply all clutches and related parts for the bikes for the 2009 season, which began this weekend and saw Rossi finish second to his rival Casey Stoner.

As well as its motorsport commitments, Exedy manufactures engine parts for passenger cars, heavy-duty trucks, agricultural tractors and industrial vehicles.

"Exedy Corporation will begin a night and day effort to win the MotoGP World Championship in cooperation with Yamaha Motor Co," said a statement from the company, which will provide US$200,000 in technical support.