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Marlboro Yamaha team have re-signed Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa to race in 2001. The Yamaha factory owns the Marlboro team . The team that started in 1999 will continue into 2001.
Team director Lin Jarvis said: \"We started this project two years ago with the aim of becoming world champions this season. That has not happened, but we all still have a strong belief that both these riders are capable of winning the championship and we will strive to make that happen next year. \"Our Yamaha engineers have a good understanding of the needs of both riders and are working hard to provide them with a 2001 version of the YZR that will suit their individual riding styles. This team is owned by Yamaha and there is a strong desire within the company to see it succeed. \"We are very grateful to our sponsor Marlboro that has pledged its commitment to support our project for 2001.The final details still need to be worked out in the coming weeks but the key decisions have all been made.\"
Biaggi ( 4 time 250cc World Champ) had a bad start to the year with injury, but has had steady rides in the later half of the season is happy to stay with Yamaha.\"I\'ve decided to stay with Yamaha,\" said Biaggi. \"I\'m very happy to remain and to keep working with this team. I have an excellent relationship with my crew and I think that the experience we\'ve built up this year is very important for the future. That goes for Yamaha\'s Japanese engineers as well. We\'re working hard to be able to start the 2001 season much better than this year. It\'s important to be on course right from the beginning and to be fighting for the championship.\"
Carlos Checa Started the title chase well in 2000 but his form dropped in the middle of the season, said \"It will be a good challenge for us, this year I demonstrated that I can fight for the Championship. We lost that chance for a variety of reasons but now we have to look forward to next year and fix the problems we\'ve had. We\'ll improve things technically and I feel excited about it. \"I\'m very comfortable with Yamaha and in this team. I have a close relationship with Yamaha Japan, Yamaha Spain and with Marlboro, our main sponsor. This feeling of family is very important to me. We\'ve grown up together over the last two years and now its time to come of age!\"
