Creator of the fresh look for the 2008 MX1-GP World Champion, Michele Valzelli, was surprised when Philippaerts removed a Thor rain-jacket to reveal his ‘vision’ and also showed the custom-painted helmet that will be worn in the two 35 minute and 2 lap motos tomorrow.
“I’m really, really happy that a rider like David will wear a design made by me,” said Michele who posed for photographs along with DP and Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing Manager Racing Leon Oosterhof. “I used orange in the design because it worked well with the GP being in Holland and this is a famous and important circuit. For sure I will tell all my friends and family to watch the races on TV tomorrow!”
“We had a great reaction and success in World Superbike with a similar competition and it was a natural progression to see if we could make it work in motocross where the race-wear and bike designs are normally so creative and striking,” commented Oosterhof. “We were happy with the reaction and interest the competition generated but most of all amazed with some of the ideas people can imagine and realise. It was positive to see that coming in and I want to thank everyone that took part and also all the people involved behind the scenes for making it happen.”
Almost one hundred designs were submitted to the competition that was launched with a fun video showing Philippaerts frustrated with his ‘novel experiments’ regarding new racewear. Entrants from twelve different countries took part in the contest that was formulated by Yamaha Motor Europe along with Monster Energy, AGV and Thor.
