Yamaha riders Matt Phillips and Stefan Merriman will debut the 2012 WR450F this weekend in the AORC. Image: Adam Riemann.

Yamaha Racing will make its anticipated national debut aboard the 2012 model WR450F this weekend at Dungog in New South Wales when the Australian Off Road Championship gets underway.

Ballard’s Yamaha/Park and Fly team riders Stefan Merriman, Matt Phillips will both ride the new WR in the E3 and E2 categories respectively, with team manager Geoff Ballard certain the defending champion team can continue its form.

“2011 was a very successful year for the team,” said Ballard. “But we also recognise that we must continue to improve and, as a result, the entire team has worked tirelessly through the off season.

“The new WR450F has come at the perfect time for us and the riders really enjoy riding it. All our testing has been successful and as a team we are excited about the start of the new season.”

The brand new Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing team will also debut the WR450F, with AJ Roberts and Jarrod Bewley at the controls.

“We have been able to get in plenty of testing and get the bikes sorted quickly, sponsors have jumped on board with enthusiasm and we have been able to get a couple of good results at local races in the lead up to the AORC,” Roberts explained.

“I look forward to the opening round and measuring our team and riders against the best in Australia.”

Check out MotoOnline.com.au’s Launch Report of the 2012 WR450F by clicking here.