Sapphire Vehicle Services has entered the fast-moving business of high-octane motorsport, as Official Transport Partner to the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK race team.
As well as joining the team’s list of sponsors, the partnership sees the independent vehicle maintenance specialist firm looking after the team’s two Mercedes-Benz Actros 510hp 1851 Tractor units, and pair of custom-built trailers, which transport bikes, spare parts and much more to race meetings across Europe.
The trucks attend 10 of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) 12 race weekends in 2023 meets, the other two being ‘flyaways’ to Australia and Indonesia. One trailer carries four motorcycles – a race bike and a spare each for the team’s two riders, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Andrea Locatelli – as well as a full complement of parts and tools. The second houses a suite of offices for riders and staff as well the team’s remaining race operations equipment.
Sapphire Managing Director 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.”
The alliance is a winner for Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK too. Sapphire was already providing maintenance services to the team’s transport operation but now the links between the two brands are strengthened still further.
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. Sapphire ensures that our trucks and trailers are always perfectly prepared, and in the rare case where an unusual problem arises they are able to use their network of partners to get us up and running again very quickly – wherever we are.
“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.”
