With a fifth place finish in the World Championship and only one victory, obtained at Assen, it is obvious that Valentino cannot be satisfied with his season. His fractured leg is of course one of the elements that must be taken into account, but it in no way explains certain very average results that the Italian champion attributes to Yamaha. Lin Jarvis, Executive Director of Yamaha Factory Racing (Factory Team MotoGP), accepts his rider's criticism and shares his views La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Valentino Rossi's motivation also depends on the performance of the bike, explains the British manager. This winter I hope to be able to talk to him to understand his intentions, but I think he will decide after the first 3-4 races. If he stops we will be prepared and, of course Zarco will be one of the candidates. 2018 will be important because then, with the exception of the Marc VDS and Crutchlow drivers, all will be free and available. »
Jarvis confirms that Johann zarco, today in the Yamaha satellite team Tech3, is an option to replace the transalpine World Champion in the official team. The Frenchman surprised everyone, including Jarvis: “ He impressed me on and off the track. It was not the first choice of any team, but now many are interested, such as KTM. »
How did we arrive during the season at this situation which was so unsatisfactory for Valentino Rossi?
“The problems started before Le Mans, analyzes Jarvis. In Jerez, first alert: there in 2016 Valentino had dominated. It was a big surprise to see how much he was struggling this year. This was repeated at Barcelona, another traditionally favorable track. And we realized that we had problems on circuits with little grip. Yamaha or Michelin’s fault? This year we have experienced problems with tire consistency several times. Although that's not an excuse. Michelin reiterated that the rear tire construction hadn't changed, but we felt something different. »
So why, when it started to malfunction, listen Vinales rather than Rossi?
« There were the results. If you're ahead and winning, we think that's the right direction. »
“It was a tough year for Maverick. In front all winter, winner of the first races, you have crazy confidence and suddenly the problems begin. Mentally it's difficult, even with a 30-point advantage. Rossi in this area is more experienced. Maverick wasn't alone, he had his team and nothing stopped him from following his own direction. At Ducati, Lorenzo has always used wings, Dovizioso has not. We don't impose anything on the pilots. »
Photo © Yamaha
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
