In recent years, Valentino Rossi's promotional program for Yamaha had a somewhat tendency to crumble over time. Of course, the nine-time world champion always made a few appearances during shows organized in front of fans, but this was becoming increasingly rare, and was often limited to emerging Asian countries, a booming market that all major manufacturers covet. motorcycles: it's not for nothing that the Honda presentation takes place today in Jakarta (Indonesia)!
More for 2017, the three tuning forks have decided to tighten the screw and to think big: the Doctor's agenda is therefore covered with the names of theIndonesia (does), Philippines (does), of the Malaysia (to do), Vietnam (to do), of the Thailand (to do),Australia (to do), of the Colombia (to do) andSouth Africa (to do) !
Will all these countries really be visited by number 46? In the pilot's entourage, we respond " we'll see… "
A few days before the Sepang tests, the first trip took place in Indonesia, the main market targeted by all Japanese manufacturers, after Valentino had taken 3 days of vacation there, invited by a childhood friend to swim and see the Komodo dragons in Labuan Bajo.
Honda, leader with 74% of this market, is also present there today and the duo Andrea Iannone/Alex Rins will also make a visit there on February 18 for Suzuki, although Hamamatsu only sells less than 1 % of two wheels (compared to 23% at Yamaha).
For the rest of the countries, indeed, " we'll see… " but Valentino Rossi will undoubtedly be obliged to accompany a Maverick Vinales who is currently docile as a lamb.
