The Yamaha racing team of Italian champion Valentino Rossi will need a new sponsor following Friday's decision by Camel to leave the MotoGP championship.
"Camel has decided to end its commitment to world championship motorcycle racing after four intense years during which the yellow Camel colors were an unmistakable presence and symbol of success, with 11 victories and 23 podium finishes", the company said in a statement.
JTI International, which has the Camel brand, this past year sponsored seven-time world champion Rossi's team.
In order to do this, Camel abandoned its sponsorship of Rossi's long-time arch rival Max Biaggi, who without a sponsor was unable to find a team for the 2006 season.
Camel's yellow colors, however, did not bring Rossi luck and he lost the championship for the first time in six years.
The title went to American Honda rider Nicky Hayden after Rossi crashed in the last race and never caught up to the race leaders.
Camel began to sponsor motorcycle racing in 2003.
