The factory Yamaha team is expected to turn the corner in a 2021 season where its fate will be in the hands of a rejuvenated pair of riders. And for good reason: Valentino Rossi has gone to raise the average age in the Petronas team which wants to train young people while the one who was revealed under the Malaysian colors, in this case Fabio Quartararo, is taking the opposite path by taking place alongside Maverick Viñales. Certainly, but the brand's best 2020 driver was Franco Morbidelli who will a priori be technically the least well served this year. Hence this question: why does Yamaha never seem to be in the right tempo?
At Yamaha , we are well placed to know that the titles have been missed since 2015, and that the last known world champion in Iwata is Jorge Lorenzo. It must be said that the brand suffered like the others from the domination of a Honda with an Marc Marquez above. But even with the latter absent, the M1s do not materialize. And yet, with seven victories in 14 races in 2020, there is no reason to cast stones at the General-in-Chief Lynn Jarvis.
No doubt, but the end result is there and often disappointing. Added to this are grip problems, not to mention an engine which is no longer only notable for a depressing top speed, but also for valves which have earned it a sanction. And then what good are victories if they are shared? There is a lack of a pattern and regularity. So how can we find coherence? Some people think that we should already make the right choices at the right time.
Which comes back to talking about decisions about pilots. Maverick Vinales was confirmed on January 20, 2020 and immediately fabio quartararo was announced. But at the end of the 2020 campaign, the vice-world champion is called Franco Morbidelli… On this observation which raises questions, Lynn Jarvis comments: … “ We are very happy with our choice. We believe in our drivers that we have chosen for 2021 and 2022 “, declared the general manager. “ There are six manufacturers and everyone understands that the driver is very important if you want to achieve your goal of being world champion ».
Yamaha assumes its choices
Yes but what about Morbidely ? " Franky's subsequent results this season have been very, very good. And that puts Franky in a good position " added Lynn Jarvis. " But keep in mind that Franky will ride a Yamaha in 2022, if we confirm the new contract with Petronas. So it's always difficult. In a way, that's the game. At a certain point, you have to make your choice with all the information, with all the right expectations that you have. Take your pick and run with it. I'm happy with our choices ».
And in fact. One year ago, Ducati wanted to Casa Particular in Viñales while Quarterly was more than courted after his very successful first year in MotoGP. It was therefore necessary to anchor these two pilots at Yamaha , and that's what Lynn Jarvis did. We are certainly always smarter afterwards and as the Briton points out, Morbidely can still be on an M1 in 2022. But before that, there will be 2021. And maybe yet another new deal!
