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10/01/2006, 15h50
reponse de yam ....
The factory Yamaha MotoGP team has reacted angrily to former sponsorship partner Altadis' decision to pursue compensation for the early end of their contract through the courts, claiming that its claims are misguided.
Responding to the announcement of Altadis' course of action, which follows Yamaha's decision to carry Camel branding in 2006, the motorcycle manufacturer has set out to put its side of the argument, insisting that its former partner's accusations are 'wrongful' when it claims that clauses remain in force from the previous contract.
"First, Yamaha no longer has any sponsorship agreement with Altadis, as the previous sponsorship agreement was terminated in all respects for the 2006 season," a prepared statement issued by the team stated, "Second, Yamaha strongly denies that it has ever breached its previous sponsorship agreement with Altadis.
"Furthermore, in the absence of any agreement in force between Altadis and Yamaha, there exists no legal obligation preventing Yamaha from contracting with a tobacco sponsor, or any other sponsor, for the 2006 season."
After a short period of speculation, Yamaha and Camel announced that they would be pairing up for the 2006 season and beyond, with the Japan Tobacco brand's famous yellow colours replacing the deep blue of Altadis' Gauloises. Naturally, both parties claim to have attempted to resolve the matter amicably, only to have met with opposition. Both have also claimed a right to damages in what is fast becoming an ugly war of words.
"Yamaha deplores the fact that Altadis' unreasonable actions have frustrated Yamaha's good-faith efforts to resolve this matter in an amicable fashion, and has seen fit to make its unmerited allegations in a public forum," the team statement continued.
"To date, Yamaha has not been notified of any request for arbitration from Altadis. In any event, Yamaha will defend its rights vigorously, and reserves the rights to claim both pecuniary damages and declaratory relief with respect to the wrong and disparaging statements made by Altadis, and the harm wilfully caused by its frivolous conduct, for the sake of Yamaha and all of its fans and supporters worldwide who continue to support and sustain the MotoGP sport and Yamaha's MotoGP factory racing team."
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