January 11, 2007
Konica Minolta Sponsors the World's Most Prominent
Motorcycle Road Racing, "MotoGP Class," as
"KONICA MINOLTA Honda" Team Again in 2007
Tokyo (January 11, 2007) - Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. has decided to participate in the World Championship "MotoGP Class"--the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world for consecutive three years since 2005 under the same team name -- "KONICA MINOLTA Honda" team. This year, the Japanese top class rider, Shinya Nakano will race with this team and will continue to challenge 2007 championship.
The MotoGP is a motor sports event enjoying top exposure levels in countries around the world in terms of broadcasting frequency. The event is also noted for a vast number of visitors, approximately 2.2 million, to the circuits during the season. It is one of the three most popular sporting events in Europe, along with the F1 and soccer, and in recent years, it is becoming more well-known in Japan as well. The "speedy, youthful and powerful" image of the MotoGP race matches the corporate image of Konica Minolta, which is aiming to provide innovative and creative products and services. The company also has confidence in that sponsoring the MotoGP will serve to further bolster its brand worldwide.
MotoGP, promoted by FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme), is the world's most prominent series of annual motorcycle road racing event held worldwide. Its official name is "FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix." The MotoGP has three categories - 125cc class for racing machines under 125cc, 250cc class for racing machines under 250cc, and MotoGP class for four-stroke machines under 800cc. Through regulation changes in MotoGP class, engine capacity has been reduced from 990cc to a maximum of 800cc from this season. The "KONICA MINOLTA Honda" team will participate in the premier "MotoGP Class."
The racing events will take place in "Twin Ring Motegi" in Japan, and such circuits as Sachsenring (Germany), Jerez (Spain), and Assen (Netherlands) in Europe. We are expecting further increase in its popularity in Asia and the U.S.A. as well as in Europe.
MotoGP is the world's most prominent motorcycling events for its "Speed," "High Technology," and "Internationality." In terms of "Speed," the machines compete in maximum speed of more than 300km per hour, which is the same level as F1. In terms of "High Technology," it is a fusion of top-notch engine and machine technologies, and also the combination of human wisdom and technology. In terms of "Internationality," starting with European countries, it is widely broadcasted in about 200 countries and viewed by 5.2 billion enthusiastic racing fans.
About "KONICA MINOLTA Honda" Team
| Title sponsor | Konica Minolta |
|---|---|
| Machine | Honda RC212V |
| Rider | Shinya Nakano |
| Team Management | JiR (Japan Italy Racing) |
Profile of Rider, Shinya Nakano
Date of birth - October 10, 1977
Place of birth - Tokyo, Japan
Residence - Chiba, Japan
Origin of the given name - To grow up straight as an arrow
Height - 167cm
Weight - 58kg
Blood type - O
Hobbies - Sports in general, driving a car
| 1983 | Started to ride on a pocket bike at the age of five |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Started his career in All Japan Road Race Championship 125cc class |
| 1997 | Started his career in All Japan Road Race Championship 250cc class |
| 1998 | Became champion in All Japan Road Race Championship 250cc class (Eight wins in nine races) |
| 1999 | Participated in the World Championship 250cc class Won "Rookie of the Year" and took his first victory at Japan GP |
| 2002 | Started his career in the World Championship MotoGP (Positioned 11th in the world ranking) |
| 2005 | Participated in the World Championship MotoGP (Positioned 10th in the world ranking) |
| 2007 | Scheduled to participate in the World Championship MotoGP (Moved to "KONICA MINOLTA Honda" team) |
About JiR
| Official name | Japan Italy Racing |
|---|---|
| Location | Place des Moulins-Le Continental-B98000-Principaute 'de Monaco |
| General Manager | Gianluca Montiron |
MotoGP Schedule for 2007
| Date | Circuits | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 10th | Qatar (Losail) |
| 2 | March 25th | Spain (Jerez) |
| 3 | April 22nd | Turkey (Istanbul) |
| 4 | May 6th | China (Shanghai) |
| 5 | May 20th | France (Le Mans) |
| 6 | June 3rd | Italy (Mugello) |
| 7 | June 10th | Catalunya (Catalunya/Spain) |
| 8 | June 24th | United Kingdom (Donington Park) |
| 9 | June 30th | Netherlands (Assen) |
| 10 | July 15th | Germany (Sachsenring) |
| 11 | July 22nd | U.S.A.(Laguna Seca) |
| 12 | August 19th | Czech Rep. (Brno) |
| 13 | September 2nd | San Marino & Della Riviera Di Rimini (Misano/Italy) |
| 14 | September 16th | Portugal (Estoril) |
| 15 | September 23rd | Japan (Twin Ring Motegi) |
| 16 | October 14th | Australia (Phillip Island) |
| 17 | October 21st | Malaysia (Sepang) |
| 18 | November 4th | Valencia (Valencia/Spain) |
WEB site
We will timely introduce Shinya Nakano's talk about the Grand Prix events, photo gallery, wallpaper for downloading and so forth within our WEB site
//www.konicaminolta.com/motogp
Meeting the needs of speedily evolving digitization and networking environment, Konica Minolta Group aims to become an innovative global corporation that continues to create inspiring products and services in the field of imaging and that leads the market by advanced technologies and reliability.