David Muñoz is the last card out of the sleeve of Valentino Rossi who, at over 40 years old, still wants to stay in the MotoGP game. A redistribution in his box to respond to the new situation initiated by Fabio Quartararo who has already given a boost to Maverick Viñales. Is this new chief engineer, the same age as his pilot, a joker or the key asset that the Doctor lacks? The pilots who worked with him would rather lean towards the second hypothesis…
David Muñoz currently serves as chief engineer of Nicholas Bulega within the team Sky VR46 of Moto2. An interesting but discreet position which is very different from that which awaits him in 2020. The 41-year-old Catalan will in fact replace Galbraith to the position of chief engineer of Valentino Rossi.
« Of course, I am happy for this opportunity that Valentino offers me “, he told Motogp.com. “ I will do my best, until Valencia I will only focus on my role in the Sky team. Obviously I have no experience in MotoGP, I will have to learn a lot. » A humility and caution which, however, do not worry Yamaha any more than Vale. Because the man is not a beginner either.
In the past he joined Pecco Bagnaia, worked with the Sito Pons team, was a mechanic for Pablo Nieto, Maverick Vinales, Alex Rins et Jorge Lorenzo. And all these men keep good memories of David Muñoz. By Pecco Bagnaia, he won the Moto2 world title. “ He is one of the best lead technicians I have worked with » declares the driver of the Pramac Racing team. “ Even on a personal level, working with him is a pleasure, I know his potential and he deserves this opportunity. »
A good memory that also nourishes Jorge Lorenzo : " in 2002 he was my first mechanic, when I was 15 ", said Lorenzo. " I only worked with him that year, but he's a good guy, calm and professional. » Alex Rins collaborated with David Muñoz for a year when he was in the intermediate classes “ He is certainly a good technical manager, because he is very intelligent. Now that he has more experience because he won the World Championship, he has to wait and see what happens in MotoGP. I'm glad he has this opportunity. »
It would therefore be almost unanimous. We will see its added value in 2020. As for Galbraith, he will take care of Yamaha's European test team which has yet to decide on the name of its rider.
