A sign of the times and a damaged reputation, the factory is like an outsider Yamaha will show up for the 2019 MotoGP season. The brand with the three tuning forks is at most expected as an arbiter of choice between the announced duel opposing Honda et Ducati. The Iwata firm will have to monitor compatriot Suzuki in full rise. The servants of the M1 will be looking for their bearings. A promising approach, especially with a new satellite team, one of whose talented drivers will be equipped with an official machine. In this case Franco Morbidelli…
When we remember what he has been able to do over the last two seasons Johann zarco with the less evolved machine of a Tech3 team now armed arm of KTM, we would almost shudder for the factory duo composed of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales.
Some already see a Doctor who will be put in the spotlight by the student of his VR46 academy. But others also predict direct competition with Casa Particular in Viñales who must regain legitimacy as a potential World Champion. And who therefore has more to lose by suffering the comparison with the Moto2 title winner of the 2017 season…
On the waves of GP One, Charles Pernat assesses the situation as follows: Franco's debut in MotoGP was difficult. The Honda is not the best bike to start with and the problems his team experienced made things a little more complicated. But he has the potential. He had a positive season, especially in the last part ».
« This time he will have a very good technician with Forcada and a better machine that he will pilot with a year of experience in the category. This is his opportunity to really show what he's worth. It's a good test. Will he annoy Rossi and Viñales? If so, it will be a protagonist for the championship! So it will be difficult. But we saw that Zarco with an older Yamaha could be competitive ».
He finishes : " Morbidelli will be Viñales’ itchy skin. The latter will have to prove that he deserves his place, otherwise, he will take the risk of being replaced by Franco in the future. ».
