Casually, at Yamaha, we closed a chapter in its history and closed a book to write another. Of course, the volume is not yet stored in the library since the hero of the saga is still in action, allowing himself to reflect on a few races before deciding his own future. But by formalizing Fabio Quartararo in place of Valentino Rossi for his second factory machine, alongside Viñales, the tuning fork firm has launched the signal of a new era. At Honda as elsewhere, we take note, but we cannot resign ourselves to seeing Vale still retired. So Alberto Puig…
Alberto puig is a character you don't naturally go to for a chat. In a touchy mood, often with a dark look, he never likes it when people step on his toes and never bothers with embellishments to say what he thinks of someone in the paddock. So much so that when he gives a compliment, it's like a well-placed word in Scrabble, it counts triple.
And this rare moment came after, these days, Yamaha has kept the news by already formalizing its lineup for the next two years. Maverick Vinales was signed for 2021 and 2022 this Tuesday, the next day, fabio quartararo joined him in the factory den, which led to a move to the side of Valentino Rossi. A masterpiece in danger? The one who commands the Honda Repsol troops on the ground doesn’t believe it for a single moment: “ Rossi is an unknown variable because he truly is a phenomenon. His case is completely atypical: he is an advanced driver, he goes very fast, and continues with ambition Says Puig in the columns of La Vanguardia.
« He hasn't lost any ambition or desire, just a bit of speed, but he's a racing beast, it's a phenomenon that can surprise you and you can never forget it. Before, he was more consistent in results, but he's still very talented and he's still hungry, so it won't be me who says he won't be there ", explain Alberto puig.
It will be recalled that the Doctor gave himself six and seven Grand Prix to take stock of his level of performance before giving a definitive direction to his career. This could continue over a Yamaha to factory specifications, certainly at Petronas, or it will be another internal role at Yamaha who, in any case, will not release his champion into the wild.
