We were waiting for Lorenzo, we got Rossi!
Jorge Lorenzo had made it known in the press that he wanted to end his career at Yamaha and sign the renewal of his contract as soon as possible, preferably before this Qatar Grand Prix.
Yesterday morning, the Movistar Yamaha team's press release was sent out, but only the name of Valentino Rossi was mentioned.
While the negotiations lasted several weeks, and the contracts were sent to both riders at the same time by Yamaha, at the beginning of this week, it seems that Jorge Lorenzo took the time to think, thus being cut off. grass underfoot by his teammate who signed straight away.
Warned on Friday that the official announcement would be made this Saturday, in order to take maximum advantage of the impact of the media, it seems that the Majorcan rider did not really appreciate the maneuver and, as a result, decided to leave Yamaha in the expectant for a few days while thinking about the real-false offer from Ducati, however many times denied.
To answer all questions from journalists, Lin Jarvis, improvised a press conference yesterday morning, published on the site MotoGP.com.
We have noted the following extracts.
Why such an announcement today?
“There is no reason to postpone it. This is very positive news for all fans around the world. That it happens before the first race allows us to benefit from the exposure of the televisions which are focused on MotoGP this weekend. On Monday everyone will be traveling and it would make less sense. »
Firm contract for 2 years?
“You can always get out of a contract, but it’s a two-year contract, with no options. The renewal of the current contract for 2017 and 2018.”
Will Valentino Rossi end his career after this contract?
“You should ask him, but I think what he expects, and what we expect, is that this is his last contract in MotoGP. I suppose so, but you should never say never. »
Jorge's situation?
“We knew he had asked to renew his contract before the start of the season, and preparing his contract explains why this announcement is being made so early. We have finished the negotiations and prepared an agreement, a very good offer, and it is in his possession. Then he decided he would like to take some time off. »
When did he receive this offer?
" Start of the week. And that's why it's so early in the season. We don't put pressure. He asked for things to be clear before Qatar and we responded to his request by preparing the contract. But we operate fairly in our team, so we prepared Valentino's contract at the same time. It wouldn't have been right to do one and not the other. »
Who got his contract first?
“They got it at the same time. The negotiations took many weeks, and Valentino only concluded here. »
Is this a good contract for Jorge and will he accept it?
“I am very happy with the offer we made to Jorge, and I understand that Albert Valera (his manager) said that it was the best offer Jorge has had in his career. We did the best possible, on the Yamaha side, to put a very good contract on the table.
Am I confident? You can never be because we are not alone. We have competitors and Jorge is the reigning champion, and the fastest driver in the world. So yes, it is certain that there are manufacturers and teams who want to take advantage of its services. »
If he leaves, do you have any replacements in mind?
“Yes, there are around twenty available (smile). You know, you can never replace someone completely. A replacement will never be the same, they may not have the same performance immediately, and they certainly will not have the same experience.
So I sincerely hope that Jorge stays with Yamaha, and that's why we made him a very good offer for a 2-year program.
Hopefully Jorge will decide to stay with us soon. I really hope so. »
Jorge and his management said they were surprised by this announcement today…
“We informed them a few days ago that we were going to make an announcement this weekend, and I told them yesterday it would be today, so you can't stop a few things...
If Valentino signed, I think we have every right, with Valentino, to make an announcement whenever we want. If Jorge had signed, we would have done the same thing.
You can't impose your wishes on something that doesn't really concern you directly. »
Do you think Jorge is waiting for an offer from Ducati?
“I guess yes, it would be Ducati because Jorge is an exceptional rider. Ducati has two very competitive riders, but from what I understand they are looking for a Top Gun, a Top 4, to take their program to the next level. So I guess it's definitely Ducati. »
If Jorge leaves, do you have any idea who will replace him?
“We obviously have some ideas in mind for a plan B. The names are pretty obvious because everyone knows who the next possible talent will be, but I'm not going to give you any.
But I am in a scenario where our two pilots continue with us. »
Photo credit : MotoGP.com
