In form, the Petronas presentation this Monday was a success. However, you have to listen when those in charge of the team involved in MotoGP talk about new recruit Valentino Rossi and partner manufacturer Yamaha. At that moment, we see that behind the smiles and the infectious enthusiasm, there are still gray areas which suggest that all is not going well in the best of all possible worlds. Take the example of technical collaboration.
During the presentation of his Petronas troops, the boss Razlan Razali said a few about his collaboration with Yamaha . He would like to be closer, better involved and these elements are being discussed in the meetings that have been held since December for a renewal of the 5-year lease. There is also the case Red, who is not just a pilot within Yamaha . For his part, the loyal lieutenant of the Malaysian who is Johan Stigefelt revealed some surprising situations. Thus in terms of a technical collaboration with the manufacturer of Iwata which, in fact, has still not been defined for 2021. However, the first tests of the off-season will begin this weekend at Qatar ...
We will recall, in passing, that Yamaha hasn't done the slightest spin with its M1s so far, banking on the six days organized at Losail, where the new test pilot Cal Crutchlow will be mobilized. Stigefelt makes this astonishing statement about technical collaboration: “ we don't have official information from Yamaha yet, we will discuss it this weekend in Qatar ».
To not stop there, Stigefelt still gives some basic elements: “ Morbidelli's bike will be the same as last year with some minor updates. Franco will start with the package he finished 2020 with and will receive small upgrades. Ramon Forcada plays a very important role in the development of his motorcycle. They managed to find a good setup compared to everyone else. I'm sure they will continue to improve, although I don't know what will change ».
Petronas does not have a clearer idea of what to develop
« After the meeting with Yamaha we will have a clearer idea of what to develop “, he continues. “ I think the 2020 bike needs a step forward, we will make small updates. For the rest we will have to work on the available package. Franco has been working with the same bike for two years and has always grown, so there is room to do even better ».
On the idea of having four identical motorcycles, like what was announced at Honda, Stigefelt states: “ it would certainly be an advantage to have an ever stronger package. Engineers listen to our opinions and take us very seriously ". Let's hope so. He ends on the new test pilot Cal Crutchlow :" vs'is very good to have it available. He's a fast driver and that's what we need. He can give us a big helping hand ».
By the way, since we're talking about a test pilot, Stigefelt makes a mention of the case Stefan bradl ... " Stefan is becoming more and more of a regular driver… I don't think it's fair that he does so many tests and at the same time participates in the Grand Prix like he did. This is something that will have to be evaluated and that we will have to evaluate together ". Many subjects will definitely be discussed during this month as the paddock MotoGP will pass to Qatar ...
