The recruitment of drivers for 2021 and 2022 promised to be particularly difficult and complicated. Each manufacturer was developing its strategy, when Lin Jarvis, Executive Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, jumped ahead of everyone by signing Maverick Vinales et fabio quartararo, while sparing Valentino Rossi, and adding as icing on the cake Jorge Lorenzo as a test pilot.
Ducati found itself very deprived, and Honda these days obtained the signature of Marc Márquez until 2024.
“For me, the discussions with Valentino were the most difficult, Jarvis estimated., because when we heard his wish to be allowed to make his decision to continue only next summer, which we completely understand, there were consequences. Other discussions, however, were only positive. »
“In Valentino's case, we had to tell him that we could not extend his career with the factory team if he could not make his decision before the start of the season. But in the meantime, we have assured him that he will be able to ride for the Petronas team in 2021 with the full support of the Yamaha Motor Company. »
“Due to all these events, we did not have a winter break this year, neither in Japan nor in Europe. We have been extremely busy with driver engagement immediately following the 2019 World Championship Final.”
“In addition, the two November tests in Valencia and Jerez were very important for our technicians to decide the direction to take for 2020,” Jarvis said. “We already made clear progress in the second half of the season last year. Yamaha was then back on track and we found the right path. But we knew we had deficits in certain areas. »
“So we had to improve further. But in November we were able to confirm the prototype engine for 2020 and make a clear decision from the start – with the approval of both factory drivers. After that we were able to move forward. But Japanese engineers had to continue developing and invest a lot of time, energy and effort to make our whole thing a little better. What we have now seen during the three days of IRTA testing in Malaysia is the fruit of that work and effort over the winter. »
“We were also quite busy in Europe, as the driver market started going crazy as early as January,” Jarvis continued. “This market is very competitive at the moment because we have six manufacturers who are very keen to plan for their future. In January, the market was already very hot. Our talented young drivers have pushed us towards new contracts. So we acted early and made important announcements even before the Sepang test. »
“We found ourselves in a situation where we would have lost one of our young talents if we had waited too long for Valentino's decision. That's why, as a factory, we decided to make an advance reservation with Viñales and Quartararo, two of the youngest and most talented riders in the Yamaha camp. So we really wanted to sign them for the next two years. »
Photos © Yamaha
Source: Speedweek. com
