The announcement of the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup, a collaboration between Yamaha Motor Europe, FIM Europe and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) supported by JiR (Japan Italy Racing), generated a huge response, with riders from as far afield as Brazil signing up within days to contest what promises to be an exciting addition to the race schedule at eight of the European WorldSBK rounds in 2020.
Such was the demand that the age limit has now been raised to allow riders aged between 12 and 16 years to contest the inaugural season of the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup and, while the 36-rider grid is filling up fast, there are still places remaining.
The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup has been designed as the ideal first step for young riders with world championship aspirations. The series will be contested exclusively aboard Yamaha's YZF-R3 machine, a race winner in the ultra-competitive FIM Supersport 300 World Championship, with a grid of 36 riders from around the world expected to line up for the opening round in 2020.
The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup will be a fully supported series, with riders provided with a race-ready Yamaha YZF-R3, a full riding package including Pirelli tyres, coaching and technical assistance for an inclusive cost of Euro (€) 35,000 per season, allowing them to simply turn up and race.
This cost includes a dedicated pre-season test at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on 23rd March 2020, where riders will receive their 2020 race kit of helmet, leather suit, boots and Paddock Blue apparel before familiarising themselves with Yamaha's YZF-R3 ahead of the first race of the season, which will take place at the Assen WorldSBK round over the weekend of 18th and 19th April.
The series will be televised, with races also streamed online and shown live on the big screens at each circuit. A highlights package with rider interviews and background information will also be available for free after every round.
Prize money will be awarded, with Eur (€) 10,000 for the winner of the championship, Eur (€) 7,500 for the rider placed second in the series standings at season end and Eur (€) 5,000 for the rider who finishes third overall. Each race winner will receive Eur (€) 500. In addition, the top three riders in the series at the end of the season will secure automatic entry to Yamaha Motor Europe's bLU cRU Masterclass event, where they will compete for a supported ride for the following season.
Riders can register their interest in contesting the inaugural Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup by clicking here. Registration closes on 28th February 2020. More information on the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup can be found by clicking here.
