Tamiya 1/12 Tech 3 Yamaha YZR500 '01

At the start of the 2000 World Grand Prix Motorcycle Road Racing GP250cc class finals in Australia, two machines shot ahead of the pack and gradually widened the lead. Two riders from the same team would fight it out all the way to the finish line. Rider Shinya Nakano held the lead from the start but found rider Olivier Jacque close behind him. As they rounded the final corner, Jacque entered the slipstream and the two bikes headed for the finish neck and neck. Jacque crossed the finish line at 0.014 seconds, barely half a bike length, ahead of Nakano to become WGP champion. At the season finish the two riders from the Tech 3 team ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. The following season, the Tech 3 team would enter the 500cc class. The Tech 3 riders for the 2001 WGP would once again be Jacque and Nakano. The machine used would be an evolution of the Yamaha YZR500, which won the Manufacturers' Championship in the previous year. Using a reliable 2-stroke water-cooled V4 engine, handling was upgraded and a lightweight, high-durability aluminum frame was employed. Cornering ability was improved by adding high-traction tires and aerodynamic front cowling. Nakano remained in contention for the top with consistent racing, taking 3rd place at the Germany GP and ranking 5th in overall points at mid-season. Due to an injury sustained during pre-season, Jacque had a rough time getting into the groove, but recovered at the 9th race where he finished 6th. Once again, the Tech 3 team proved ready for on-the-edge racing action with its two YZR500's.