Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), November 4, 2020
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team has named Garrett Gerloff of the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team as a replacement rider to replace Valentino Rossi in the event the Italian is unable to meet the requirements of the two negative PCR tests necessary to be able to participate in the Grand Prix from Europe this weekend.
Following two Grand Prix weekends at Aragón in October, where Maverick Viñales was Monster Energy Yamaha's only MotoGP rider, the team is pleased to announce that it has added GRT Yamaha WorldSBK rider Garrett Gerloff to its roster. potential drivers for the Gran Premio de Europa.
If Rossi is unable to meet the requirement of two negative PCR test results to be able to participate in this weekend's GP, the American will replace Rossi.
Rossi's last PCR test, carried out on Tuesday November 3, returned a positive result for Covid-19.
However, today (Wednesday November 4), the Italian will undergo a new test. If he gets a negative result, he will still have enough time to take the required second PCR test and fly to Valencia.
If Rossi is deemed 'unfit' to ride in Valencia, Gerloff will be supported by the number 46 rider's regular team for his first-ever experience riding a YZR-M1.
Garrett gerloff
Gerloff began his racing career, steadily rising through the motorcycle ranks in the United States. Gerloff landed on the MotoAmerica Supersport class scene in 2015 and finished third in his first attempt. He did twice better in 2016 and again in 2017, becoming a double champion at the age of 22.
The move to the MotoAmerica Superbike category in 2018 was a natural progression. Joining the Yamaha factory team, Gerloff handled the learning curve admirably and secured five podiums and a fifth place in the standings in his first year. In 2019, he really showed what he was capable of. With four wins and 11 additional podiums from 20 races, he earned the overall bronze medal in the MotoAmerica Superbike championship.
This top 3 success was the American's signal to enter the world stage, welcomed by the factory-backed GRT Yamaha WorldSBK team. Once again, Gerloff showed how quickly he can adapt and rise to a challenge. Although his preparations were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and he raced at circuits he had never visited before, Gerloff still impressed. He achieved a first podium and third place in Race 2 in Barcelona, during the sixth WorldSBK race weekend. He followed that up with another third place and second place finish at the eighth and final round at Estoril, highlighting the progress he has made throughout the 2020 season and earning a solid 11th place in the Superbike World Championship standings. FIM 2020.
Personal profile
Date of Birth
01-08-1995
Place of birth
The Woodlands, Texas
Nationality
American
Height:
178 cm
Weight
64 kg
Number
31
