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Unlike the vast majority of articles on our site, this new section does not only report information, it leaves a certain freedom, even a certain freedom, to the thoughts of its author accustomed to the literary world who will publish under the pseudonym Vernon Stoner .
Here, we relate, of course, but we also extrapolate, we speculate, we construct, in short, we discuss and exchange!
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Are you still there? Little curious people, go… Come on, gaaazzzz!
By Nicolas Pascual & Vernon Stoner
Yamaha, new beginning or end of game?
Deliverance has been long awaited Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP. In 2021, the official team will chase the world title, even if the task seems arduous. Indeed, the blues have been losing momentum since 2017. A promising new duo, composed of Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo, will try to reverse the trend.
The history of this team is legendary. If its creation dates back to 1999, it is impossible to miss the years Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts and Wayne Rainey who have marked the championship for more than fifteen years.
At his head, Wilco Zeelenberg, Massimo Meregalli et Lynn Jarvis (current director) have succeeded one another within the Japanese team.
The signing of Valentino Rossi in 2004 is arguably the biggest turning point in the team's history. “The Doctor” won four titles within his new family, while transforming his sport. Jorge Lorenzo, arrived in 2008, marks the history of MotoGP with a hot iron. The two rivals shared the spotlight for seven long years, era Ben Spies included (2011-2012).
In 2015, the two superstars engaged in a magnificent battle which turned to the Spaniard's advantage during the last round of the championship. A contested and controversial final – that’s saying something – which recalls the explanations between Ayrton Senna et Alain Prost in the late 1980s.
Credit: Michelin Motorsport
But, since the departure of “Por Fuera”, nothing is going well. Yamaha struggles to develop a competitive machine and is often left behind by Ducati et Suzuki. The unbeatable, nay, the untouchable legend, Valentino Rossi, has even just paid the price by being ousted in favor of our new seed of French champion, fabio quartararo. Who would have guessed just a year ago that number 20 would send number 46 to a satellite team? Is this a year too long for Red ? Wasn't it already in 2020? In 2019?… Difficult to speak of the GP icon with reason as Red unleashes passions. Between those who would like to never see him hang up his leathers and those who are pro-Marquez, the fight is bitter and sometimes even turns into a fistfight between haters closer to the ambient mediocrity of social networks than true motorcycle enthusiasts... Still, the fact remains that , legend or not, The doctor has been in total limbo for several seasons and it would take a miracle for him to regain his splendor while he is still a year older and goes back down to a satellite team. From there to think that Yamaha forced his hand Petronas, originally supposed to be a team revealing young talents, let's remember, it's not far away. Wouldn't a retirement at the peak of his illustrious career have been preferable to an exit through the back door of a satellite team, accompanied by disappointing results? Maybe... But, on the other hand, it's Valentino Rossi that we're talking about and, if there is a single driver who has the right to squat at the back of the grid and the gravel trap without being overwhelmed by criticism, it's him! Because, even if he finished last in the 2021 season, the rest of his fabulous career would not be affected in any way! Forza Vale!
On the test rider side, Yamaha can also trust the experienced Cal Crutchlow who will certainly be keen to fulfill his task well after his somewhat brutal ousting from Honda…
Credit: Michelin Motorsport
The case Maverick Vinales is more complicated. The inconstancy of the 3 Moto2013 champion is the main concern of this driver who is sometimes unable to lead his M1 into the top 5, and sometimes completely flies over the board with solo cavalcades from the start to the end of the race. Difficult to understand… The level to be champion, Casa Particular in Viñales has it, that's for sure. It remains to be seen whether he can finally find the consistency he lacks. Especially since, by force, Yamaha could lose patience and eye fresh flesh for 2022. Morbidely is progressing with excellent results, let’s not forget…
Credit: Michelin Motorsport
Can our national Fabio be a candidate for the title? This is the 100k question... Like his new partner, regularity and adaptation to the new Yamaha will be the key. If the psychological work carried out during the truce bears fruit, and he manages to overcome the difficulties of the M1 on certain tracks by raising his level of driving as the great drivers know how to do, so perhaps 2021 will finally see the first champion MotoGP French. Whatever the case, Fabio is already the Frenchman with the best track record, and his young age allows him to look to the future with serenity. Some champions win straight away when they arrive, others need time. The only rule is to be able to win races and Fabio knows how to do that. Come on, let's get started, a place as vice-world champion would be a wonderful accomplishment. Issa Nissa!
Consistency or decline for Viñales? Progression or stagnation for Fabio? Leave us your predictions for the 2021 YFR season in the comments. We'll talk about it again in a few months!
Nicholas & Vernon
