The Yamahas seem to be doing better lately, but it is clear that this improvement is of little benefit to Valentino Rossi whose current season reminds him of the worst times experienced on the Ducati. The Doctor believes in it and spares no effort to regain a competitiveness which must now assert itself within a peloton with competition exacerbated by the arrival of a new generation. But after Japan, Vale made it clear that he couldn't do everything alone and passed the buck to Yamaha, which was once again starting to suffer criticism from its riders...
Maverick Vinales has never let go of the pressure on the general level of the M1 despite the fact that he is now achieving results at the forefront allowing him to compete for third place in the championship. At the house of Valentino Rossi, we are not contradicting the Spanish teammate, but we are on a more optimistic tone. An atmosphere that has changed a little since Japanese Grand Prix.
The cause ? A Johann zarco which, ultimately, will not be the test pilot of the brand's European test structure. Vale insisted on it, having even convinced his current chief engineer for this mission, Galbraith, to get involved. But the centerpiece that the Frenchman was supposed to be will be missing. The latter preferred to embark on a daring bet with Honda, forcing Yamaha to have no other choice but to renew Jonas Folger.
At the time of his hiring, there were high expectations regarding the German. But they were disappointed. It must be said that his opportunities to ride were more than rare. And when he was able to get on the M1, obviously, the pace was not there. Meanwhile, both Honda with Bradl than Ducati with Pirro via Pedrosa with KTM or Aprilia with Smith, line up test kilometers and again recently, in Aragón. Suzuki does even better by putting on the track Guintoli in a Grand Prix at Motegi with a 2020 engine… But that’s another story!
SO ? So, at the age of 40, Valentino Rossi said the test pilot during the meeting. Exhaust, swinging arm, change of riding style during braking phases… The list is not exhaustive but shows the motivation and determination of Red to continue until at least the end of 2021.
Certainly, but the Doctor puts Yamaha facing its responsibilities and reminds that the manufacturer must do its part. Because he can no longer repeat poor qualifications in the race: “ we need to improve the engine, go faster on the straight, because on top speed we always lose something. We are working hard on the electronics and the bike has already improved in this regard. »
« The available budget is enormous “, underlined Valentino. “ Yamaha understood that, technically, something had to change to be able to fight for victory and the title. Because since the end of the 2016 season, our list of grievances has become very voluminous. We have reduced the gap, but we still need time. I hope that soon we will be even more competitive… It all depends on the Yamaha. » A clear message which adds to that of Casa Particular in Viñales. It will be recalled that at Motegi, the two factory Yamahas were dominated in qualifying by the two satellite Yamahas of the Petronas team. In racing, it is fabio quartararo who was the spearhead of Iwata’s brand…
