With the departure of Lorenzo and the installation of Vinales, Yamaha is preparing to experience a new era. Certainly, Valentino Rossi is still in the walls and will know how to occupy space and enforce his rank for two more years, but the young 21-year-old driver showed, from the first tests of the off-season, that he had the means to quickly make people forget his predecessor. A potential which has obviously not escaped Yamaha.
A speed which particularly marked the team manager Massimo Meregalli. The man comes out of the long period Lorenzo certainly marked by three world titles but also, apparently, not more difficult times: “ I knew Maverick was fast, but I must admit that I didn't expect him to be at such a party right away ».
« In Valencia, he impressed us and in Sepang, he confirmed his great competitiveness. Maverick is calm, fast and precise in his analyses. He is as fast as Lorenzo, but with a much better character ».
A final allusion made to GP One which perhaps explains why no one in the entourage of Lorenzo at Yamaha did not follow him for his Ducati bet. A 2017 season which promises to be tight: “ After the Valencia test we had doubts about the bike which were cleared up during the Sepang test. For the future season, the Ducati will be one to watch during the first races but the favorite remains Márquez. As for Rossi, he has improved further this season and has everything he needs to win a tenth world title ».
