At Petronas, the seasons follow one another and are not alike. Last year, the Malaysian coat of arms was adorned with the gold braided by six victories in MotoGP with their M1, in fact eclipsing the Yamaha factory structure barely saving the honor with one success. Then Valentino Rossi was installed in place of Quartararo, a change which degraded the balance. An arrival that we talk about a lot and not only with regard to the results on the track. Because the same Vale is also a business leader whose own colors are looking for a builder who would support his efforts. An incredible situation that Wilco Zeelenberg, team director of the Petronas Sepang Racing Team, describes.
The prize list of Petronas speaks for itself. Sportingly, the Malaysian colors have the legitimacy to attract all the confidence of the manufacturer Yamaha with a view to continuing the partnership. The Japanese should even be happy to have such a customer who would nevertheless like to be more of a partner. But it’s apparently not in the brand’s culture…
Besides, what is it? Because it is certain that she negotiates with the VR46 who will have everything to prove in MotoGP from next year. But behind it, there is Valentino Rossi and the SaudisAramco. Furthermore, an energy supplier like Petronas, whose logo is on the combination of Valentino Rossi...
The situation is unprecedented and will undoubtedly remain unique in history for a long time. But Zeelenberg suspected, as soon as Valentino Rossi was made official in the Petronas box, that nothing would ever be the same again: “ with Rossi, I don't think the team knows yet what awaits them » he said. In light of what is happening today, the Dutchman's sentence stands out as a premonition.
On the eve of Italian Grand Prix, he makes a new situation update: “ we would like to continue with Yamaha, but it does not depend only on us ". He adds MOW : " VR46 is also interested in Yamaha for the future. The situation is the same as a week or two ago: there are two teams interested in these bikes and we have to wait. The situation has not changed. We have to make decisions: choose which manufacturer, and all these things have to be decided, but it's not over yet ».
Petronas under Rossi's leadership?
What is also disconcerting is that Yamaha made a much lower offer to Valentino Rossi, in economic terms, than that made to Petronas and this is not at all appreciated by the owner, Razlan Razali. " For now, Dorna has confirmed the places, so we still have five years, with two drivers, and then we have to have the money and the manufacturer. Not only Petronas is at stake, but also all the other sponsors because the stakes are very high. So it will take time »Adds Zeelenberg.
By thus shedding light on the situation, the Petronas man confirms the words of Tardozzi who swears that nothing is signed between the VR46 et Ducati. What is certain, however, is this: “ Yamaha will not take more than one team besides the factory one. They themselves are aware that they could not manage six bikes on the grid as they would like. ". We will recall, on this subject, that Ducati said it was ready to field eight.
This is the situation concerning at least the team because there is also the case of the drivers. The plural is indeed required since Valentino Rossi is not the only one concerned. There is also the distinguished academician of the ranch Franco Morbidelli who has already delivered his assurance of enjoying a factory motorcycle in 2022. The twist of fate would be that after welcoming Valentino Rossi for a season, Petronas is deprived by the person concerned in 2022 of his motorcycles and his vice-world champion rider…
