On this Thursday, June 24, 2021, Garrett gerloff answered questions from journalists from the Assen circuit, ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the American rider, who replaces Franco Morbidelli at short notice within the Petronas Yamaha team, after the Italian-Brazilian injured his knee earlier in the week .
Gerloff, who already had the opportunity to ride the Yamaha M1 during the first day of free practice at the Valencia Grand Prix last year, will have to quickly get back into the swing of things if he wants to be competitive at approaching his first race in the premier category.
As usual, we report here the words of Garrett gerloff without the slightest formatting.
Garrett, how are you approaching this looming challenge?
" It is Obviously it's a big challenge, but I'm not a man to turn down challenges so... I'm very excited to be here, and to have this opportunity from Petronas Yamaha. I will try to do the best I can. »
What is your opinion regarding the Assen circuit, and have you had the opportunity to speak with Valentino?
" I haven't had time to see what the track is like yet, but I have a lot of work on understanding the track planned for the day. I still feel like I understand the circuit well given the number of races I've seen run there, particularly on the MotoGP site and on the on-board cameras. It's definitely an incredible track, very smooth and should suit the Yamahas well, so I'm looking forward to being on track tomorrow. Regarding Valentino, I didn't have time to see him today. »
Can you tell us how this replacement was organized? Everything seems to have happened very quickly...
" All It was indeed very quick, I was just back from testing, and I received a message on my phone, but it all came together well and I thank everyone who made it possible . »
« All got stuck very quickly »
This will be the second time that you will take the handlebars of a MotoGP during a race weekend. Is this likely to facilitate your learning?
" I I think it should be fine, it's just the second time but I still have a good idea of the sensations I'm going to have on the bike. In Valencia I had the opportunity to take part in a full test session in the dry, so I already have some first sensations even if the bike should still give me slightly different feedback tomorrow. The first time there was a lot of new information to take in, but now this whole process feels more normal and I have a better idea of what to expect, so it's okay. »
Four different tires will be offered to drivers this weekend as the Assen track has been resurfaced. Could this be an advantage for you?
" I didn't even know the track had been resurfaced before arriving at the circuit today, and I was a little surprised. This will perhaps complicate the task of the other drivers, and at the same time make my progress during this weekend easier. We'll see how it goes. »
