The MotoGP chessboard for the coming seasons reached an additional milestone this Thursday at Mugello. Maverick Viñales and Andrea Iannone join Yamaha and Suzuki, respectively, for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Maverick Casa Particular in Viñales, with his first podium in the premier category during the last meeting at Le Mans, will be Valentino Rossi's teammate for the two coming seasons, " After my first podium, I made the choice to go to Yamaha. It's an important choice,” confides Viñales. For his part, Valentino Rossi admits to being delighted with the choice of Yamaha, “ It will be hard,” nevertheless moderates the Italian. “ Maverick is very young and already strong and fast. A fast new driver is about to be born."
For its part, Andrea Iannone has learned that he will not continue the Ducati adventure after 2016. The Italian will be replaced by George Lorenzo who will join the Ducati team in his place while Andrea Dovizioso will retain its place, It's a big change for me to go to Suzuki and it was important for me to be able to become a first rider. I have had many good times with Ducati, " explain Iannone. " I had the opportunity to stay, but some clauses of the contract did not suit me and it was impossible to change them.«
As to whether Aleix Asparagus will be Iannone's teammate in 2017, Casa Particular in Viñales explain, " When I made my decision, I thought they had already signed Aleix. Rins and Aleix are safe values for the future. «
With the extension of Dani Pedrosa within the Honda Repsol team, the key pieces are put in place, “ It's been a long time, and I'm excited to stay at HRC, " explain Pedrosa. « This gives us stability. The bike is progressing and we have a strong team. » Marc Marquez has still not signed, but the announcement should not take long, " I hope we are close to it. We need to continue working in the same way to progress.«
On the Tech3 side, Lin Jarvis told our English colleagues at MCN that the place alongside Jonas Folger goes to Pol Espargaro, “ Until he decides he doesn't want it anymore.«
Now the remaining official places revolve around KTM (1 team place with Bradley Smith) or Aprilia (1 place in team with Sam Lowes). Carlo Pernat, manager ofAndrea Iannone, is delighted with the signing with Suzuki. According to him, second place at KTM could go to Stefan Bradl whose link with Red Bull could prove more than important.
Now it's time for the race with the Italian Grand Prix. Lorenzo winner at Le Mans, now leads the provisional classification. Regular on the podium at Mugello, the Mallorcan hopes to repeat, “ There are tracks where you can make the most of your strengths, and Mugello is one of them. This is one of my favorite tours.«
On the Honda side, on a track where power control plays a crucial role, Marquez is already expecting a difficult weekend, “ We will try to be there again and we will see how the tires behave here. We need a good result. » His teammate Pedrosa is competing in its 250th Grand Prix this weekend, “ This is a high number and it is a surprise. I thought I had passed him, but I missed several Grands Prix. In a way it's positive and reminds me that I already have a lot of racing under my belt.«
Danilo Petrucci marking his return to competition during the French Grand Prix, “ I'm really happy to come back, I finished seventh and the important thing was to stay on the bike, " entrusts Petrucci. “I missed the riders, I enjoy MotoGP and it’s in those moments that you understand where your priorities are. I missed even you journalists! " Today, Petrucci is still handicapped by his injured hand, " I have two plates and screws. Sometimes I hurt. I can even predict the weather thanks to this and I know that tomorrow it won't rain! " Explain Petrucci in a joking tone.
Note that Lorenzo et Marquez are accompanied by bodyguards this weekend. “ On the paddock, I don't know if it's useful. Maybe outside. We never know the way the fans behave, " explain Lorenzo. « Since I arrived, I have felt good. Fans are asking for photos and everything seems normal. I have already informed Dorna that I do not need bodyguards. It's a sport, and we must not get to that point. «
