Whether we like it or not, within a Yamaha clan also made up of its satellite team Petronas, the Valentino Rossi subject arouses a certain anxiety. Lin Jarvis' latest outing on this issue shows this. The Yamaha MotoGP race director knows his nine-time World Champion very well and he specifies that if he respects his need for reflection before deciding on the continuation not only of his career, but of the rest of his life, the time is approaching to give an answer. Otherwise, the elements could impose their law and here is why…
Between Yamaha et Valentino Rossi it's a long and prolific history that has forged special bonds beyond the simple balance between a manufacturer and a driver. However, current events and interests are also strong currents that guide this common relationship. So, at the start of the year, Yamaha has confirmed its official pair of drivers for 2021 and beyond, with confirmation of Maverick Vinales and the induction of fabio quartararo in place of the Doctor. However, a way out was offered to Vale in the direction of a satellite team Petronas equipped with the best equipment. This is on condition that the man from Tavullia wants to extend his career further.
As for Red, we stick to the idea of evaluating the situation after a few races. Before coronavirus, six to seven meetings were the cursor set, giving the prospect of a decision in June, ideally during the Italian Grand Prix. Then the lockdown arrived, the initial schedule was erased, but time continues to pass. And at Petronas, we are waiting to know before deciding what to do…
At Yamaha, Meregalli à Zeelenberg via Stigefelt, we debated the issue. But this time he's the boss Lynn Jarvis which causes. And here is his way of seeing things… “ 2020 would have been an important year for Valentino ", Explain Jarvis on Speedweek. com with Gunther Wiesinger. “ He wanted to think about whether to continue or not. We agreed that he would inform us of his decision by the end of June. But perhaps he could have decided earlier, for example after five or six races. I thought that maybe after the Mugello GP he would tell us if we could continue to count on him. »
« Since our factory team drivers for 2021 have already been determined, there was clearly only one possible place for Valentino, and that was the Petronas team ", explain Jarvis. " This still needs to be discussed in detail with the team and its sponsors, as it also involves building the technical team. But that original plan has now completely disappeared. So if Valentino insists now on running five or six races before deciding to continue his career, it would be far too late for us, as it would take until October or November this year. At this point we can no longer plan MotoGP rider selection for the upcoming season. So Valentino must make his decision whether to continue or not. »
« I cannot anticipate this decision. I can only express my personal thoughts on this matter ", said Lynn Jarvis. " I hope he decides to continue. Because I think this year with the Covid-19 problem would not be the right time to end such a legendary career. Because in the worst case scenario, we won't experience a single race this year. VSIt would be tragic if the final competitive season of such an iconic athlete was simply canceled. I believe Valentino thinks the same thing and will therefore express the wish to continue for another year. But the decision is his. Because it's his life. »
The decision time of Red will he stay at the end of June? Or Lynn Jarvis will he ask the winner of 115 Grands Prix to speed things up? “ At the moment we do not know what the new calendar for 2020 will look like. But neither Valentino nor we can wait for the first races and then decide. There is no contractual deadline. In winter, we agreed verbally for the end of June. But I think the timing won't change much. Because not much will change between the end of June, the end of July and August. Additionally, Valentino has now had a lot of time to reflect on his life and his future. So we wait. We will definitely discuss this topic with him in the near future. " To be continued !
