Italian driver Alessandro Botturi is an off-road motorsport legend and an important figure in the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team. His skills as an elite rider, his expertise and his warm personality make him a major asset to the official Yamaha team and to the Ténéré spirit as a whole.
From enduro to rally-raid, a string of successes
Having begun his career in trials, Botturi has twice won the prestigious International Six Day Trial (2005 and 2007). He then competed in the World Enduro Championship before taking part in the Dakar, finishing this legendary rally on several occasions, with a stage podium to his credit and eighth place overall. He has twice won the Rallye de Sardegna, tasted victory in the Transanatolia and Merzouga rallies, and won the 2019 and 2020 editions of the Africa Eco Race.
Botturi made a major contribution to the success of the Ténéré World Raid team’s inaugural season, with victory in the Tunisia Desert Challenge, before helping Yamaha to a class double in theAfrica Eco Race 2022.
Last year, he placed second overall in the Transanatolia and made history by completing a one-two finish with team-mate Pol Tarrés. Botturi narrowly missed out on overall victory in theAfrica Eco Race 2024, winning four stages on his Ténéré and finishing in second place.
"We're very proud to have him on the team".
Marc Bourgeois, who runs the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team and the Ténéré Spirit Experience program, says of Botturi:
” His value to the team is really significant because of his extensive racing experience, particularly in Rally Ra id. It’s important to note that he was an official Yamaha rider at the Dakar with 450cc bikes. For several years, he competed with Yamaha in Italy, in Rally Raid in the Italian championship, and in races such as the Africa Eco Race, which he won twice. He’s a very, very nice guy and, in terms of sharing knowledge, he also plays a crucial role in Pol Tarrés’ success. He’s a fantastic teammate for Pol, supporting him, accompanying him and passing on his knowledge, which isn’t always easy in a team with two official athletes. He adds considerable value to the team.
He is also involved in sharing his expertise by offering navigation courses in Italy and Tunisia. He contributes to the development of the Ténéré Spirit Experience project, and we’re very proud to have him on board.
Ténéré Spirit Experience gives you an insider's view of the world of rally-raiding
Yamaha Motor Europe offers Ténéré owners the chance to make a dream come true by joining Botturi, Tarres and the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team at every rally they take part in.
At each event, up to 20 customers can experience the Ténéré Spirit Experience. They can take part in each stage according to their level of driving ability, following the racing line or a route parallel to that of the main competitors in the race.
Ténéré Spirit Experience riders share the day-to-day life of the official Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team and riders Botturi and Tarres at the bivouacs, giving them a taste of elite Rally Raid competition.
For those interested in taking part in rally-raids with the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team through the Ténéré Spirit Experience, check out the events page here.
