Five-time Formula 1 World Championship Lewis Hamilton crashed a Yamaha-R1 motorcycle he was riding anonymously at Jerez on Friday, the Mercedes driver was not hurt and continued riding after the incident.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Hamilton was riding a Yamaha-R1 wearing a black suit and black helmet, accompanied by a group of trusted friends, during a motorcycle track test day at the MotoGP venue in southern Spain
Without fanfare or special privileges, Hamilton went out on track followed by Superbike rider and instructor Alex Lowes on one of the most powerful versions of the bike, which recently enjoyed success at Brno.
Hamilton is said to have suffered a crash through turn five, a fast right-hander onto the back straight which wrecked the Yamaha, but this did not deter the Mercedes F1 driver who arranged another mount and was continued to ride during the scheduled 20-minute open track stints for the riders.
It was noted that Hamilton got no special favours and was seen wrapping tyres in tyre warmers, cleaning the bike and his helmet between his sessions on track.
Hamilton’s love for motorcycles is well known, he is brand ambassador for MV Augusta, and has said of his two-wheel passion, “I love bikes – I don’t really ride too much off-track, I tend to ride my MV Agusta bikes around.”
“The sense of freedom you get is amazing when it’s just you and the bike. But racing one would be a whole different proposition,” added the Briton.
Despite a minor spill five-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed on Twitter that he had a great time riding ‘incognito’ during a motorcycle test day at Jerez and reaffirmed his respect and admiration for the two-wheel brigade.
The Mercedes F1 driver did sessions on track as part of the daily track schedule, riding a Yamaha YZF-R1 with World Superbike riders Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark in his slipstream.
Hamilton wrote on Instagram, “Good morning! Woke up feeling great today. Miss riding the superbike already. FYI I’ve always loved two wheels more than four.
“Always wanted a motorbike since I was a kid however I am super grateful my dad got me a kart. But current new love is out on track on my bike.
“I have the highest regard and respect for these motorbike riders. It’s a much different discipline however, require some of the same basics such as time, patience, fearlessness, focus, agility and risk taking – all of which make a sport exciting.
“And yes, I’d love to race bikes, but these guys are on another level so I think I’ll just enjoy riding and testing the limits on track.”
“Valentino Rossi I need to come to the ranch asap,” wrote Hamilton inclosing, with reference to the MotoGP legend’s VR46-MotoRanch in Tavulli
To which Rossi replied, “Hamilton is a big bikes fan. He follows the races and is always texting me. He exaggerates a bit, as he praises bike riders saying we are the ones taking real risks. He has to come to the ranch one day.”
While Lowes, who shadowed the F1 World Champion on track at Jerez, added, “Very quick and impressive. Top bloke and genuine 2 wheel fan.”
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