The news surprised not only Yamaha but also the entire MotoGP paddock. But that's how it is: after 20 years of living together with the Iwata factory, the team Tech3 decided to look towards Austria and its flagship KTM, showing in fact that it remained the sole master of its destiny. As a result, these are two very good M1 satellites which are promised to be orphans. Many have declared themselves to adopt them for the end of this year, and in particular the structure now called Angel Nieto, which is that of Aspar Martinez. Its sports director Gino Borsoi explains the reasons for the candidacy while recognizing that there is another one which seems much more advanced than his…
Who for two Yamaha M1 satellites following Tech3? Gino Borsoi for the Angel Nieto team sets the milestones: “ above all, there is nothing to suggest the end of the contract between Tech3 and Yamaha. It was a big surprise for everyone. But we now have an open opportunity and we must explore it. And we will do it. Our idea was initially to discuss with Ducati during the Qatar Grand Prix. But now another factory needs a team so we have to take stock ».
He specifies : " we are happy with Ducati. We have good technical support. Before the Tech3 episode, we had no reason to look for another manufacturer. But the Yamaha satellites are very good motorcycles with a very good level. All the drivers who flew them were fast with them from the start. So why not talk to Yamaha about it? »
The Aspar team has been with Ducati since 2016. But the team is seeking a special status with a factory. The kind that Pramac already has with Borgo Panigale. We must therefore look elsewhere: “ our goal is to become the No. 2 structure of a manufacturer. This is not the case currently. We haven't spoken with Yamaha yet. Maybe the door is still open unless someone else has already managed to get a deal ».
A “someone” which would be Marc VDS Racing which has within it the protégé of the VR46 Academy: Franco Morbidelli. For this MotoGP season, Angel Nieto will ride with Alvaro Bautista equipped with a GP17 and Karel Abraham which will be equipped with a GP16.
