At Yamaha, the drought of success continues. Analyzes are multiplying to attempt an assessment of what led to this situation. How could a colossus like Yamaha have stumbled to this extent and at the same time lost its bearings? Technique is of course highlighted, like investment, and these aspects are not denied, including within the tuning fork firm itself. But there is also a human factor to this crisis, which is not just a consequence of listening to a Maverick Viñales who would have been abandoned to his fate.
The words are strong and relayed by speedweek after the good result in Buriram. At the end of this Thai Grand Prix, the teammate of Rossi had found the podium again. He climbed to the last step after winning against Marquez et Dovizioso. This two weeks after a depressing race in Aragon.
This encouraging performance on the eve of an appointment at the Japan to the certain issues in front of the bosses of the Iwata factory did good, but also served as an outlet. The 23-year-old pilot declared: “ we have to be patient and hope that the Yamaha becomes competitive again. My contract runs for two more years and I have to remain confident while remaining hopeful. I know Yamaha can improve ».
Then he becomes more precise: “ neither Lin Jarvis nor Meregalli took stock of the situation. For my part, I felt a little abandoned, left to my own devices. I would have liked more attention, to be surrounded more, to even be hugged at certain times. That would have reassured me. These moments are important to feel like you are part of a team. I missed that. It's important to feel supported when things aren't going well, so you feel better ».
Yamaha hasn't won anything since June 2017. Vinales is fourth in the championship, behind his teammate Valentino Rossi that he has only dominated four times in fourteen races contested this season.
