Claim: In 1972 Barry Sheene signed with Yamaha's six-man factory team to ride for them in the 250cc World Championship.
Evidence: For the 1972 season, Sheene was signed by Yamaha to ride a factory-supported Yamaha YZ635 for the 250cc World Championship under the French Yamaha importer Sonauto's banner. There was no Yamaha factory team at the time, but Sheene was one of six riders receiving support from the factory.