Konica Minolta Sponsors the World’s Most Prominent Motorcycle Road Racing, “MotoGP Class,” as “KONICA MINOLTA Honda” Team Again in 2007

Konica Minolta Sponsors the World’s Most Prominent Motorcycle Road Racing, “MotoGP Class,” as “KONICA MINOLTA Honda” Team Again in 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.”

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