The subject was discussed during the Thursday press conference for this San Marino Grand Prix. Why does Yamaha, which is experiencing certain difficulties on particular circuits, not use its test rider Jorge Lorenzo? He knows the M1 well having built most of his track record there, and it's the kind of general experience that KTM is currently enjoying with Dani Pedrosa. It would be the fault of the Coronavirus which prevents the Japanese from coming to Europe. So you have to get organized. And that’s what seems to be done, since Por Fuera would have to leave his deck chair to go towards Portimao…
The subject is clearly posed by Valentino Rossi : " Jorge Lorenzo is one of the best drivers in the M1 and he can definitely give us a lot of support. We have seen what Pedrosa has done for KTM in one year. He gave them a lot of good advice ". Only here, Por Fuera is not running.
A situation that should change, and that is by Michelin let us learn it. So Jorge Lorenzo should return to the track next month, the 7 and 8 October , dates when the six manufacturers will be present at the Algarve test in Portugal to evaluate the new Portimao surface. This was confirmed by Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s MotoGP boss: “ we currently have all test drivers from all factory teams ».
Another consequence of the coronavirus
« I know that some Japanese factories had problems bringing their employees to Europe because they are only allowed to spend a limited number of days in the Schengen area. But they find solutions to these problems because they know how important the test is for us ", added Taramasso.
Planned test is good news for factory drivers Yamaha who will take advantage of this to advance the development of the 2021 machine. At least in the areas where development is authorized. Regarding the engine, the Japanese will not be able to do anything, because in reaction to the health crisis with real economic consequences, it was decided to technically freeze their development in order to reduce costs...
