The Yamaha Movistar team opened the series of official presentations this Thursday in Madrid with its two star riders: Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales.
In Madrid this Thursday at 11:30 a.m., the Yamaha team officially launched its 2017 season with Valentino Rossi et Maverick Vinales.
Valentino Rossi will look to force his way to his coveted 10th title, but he remains cautious about it, but also about his teammate, " It's a new start. I am used to having very strong teammates,” he explains. “Maverick impressed me a lot and, unfortunately for me, he is already very strong. We will have to analyze where we will be in the first race as well as observe the potential of our rivals. » “We found very good potential,” adds Rossi about the 1 Yamaha YZR M2017. “It seems that we can be even stronger and my first feelings are very positive. The front tire and electronics remain the points we need to focus on and the tires will make the difference. »
For its part, Casa Particular in Viñales will try to confirm his results from his first two seasons in MotoGP aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 with which he already seems very comfortable,
“I was quite surprised to be so fast in just a few days,” explains Viñales. Half-heartedly, this presentation suggested that the Spaniard was the fastest during the private test at Sepang, “It’s an incredible feeling, I already feel good in the team. I'm really motivated. I will do my best to be the best Maverick. »
On his goals for the upcoming tests, Viñales explains, “I want to concentrate on the behavior of the bike at the end of the race. »
Tsuji-San, Lin Jarvis and Maio Meregalli also answered some more technical questions about the new Yamahas. “The Yamaha has good braking, good cornering speed and good agility,” Tsuji-San comments. “That’s our philosophy. We received good feedback from both drivers regarding the continuation of our developments. The motorcycles are similar from an exterior point of view, but there are many changes inside. »
About the fins that will no longer exist this season Tsuji-San explain, “Everyone is trying to compensate for the loss of fins, but it is not 100% possible. We have some ideas. »
“We will do our best for our brand and our company,” says Jarvis regarding the team's goals. “We have had three good last seasons with excellent results such as driver, constructor and team titles. Teamwork is the most important thing…and this year we have a fantastic team and we are committed to winning. It’s about a combination of energy and collaboration. We will do our best to bring back the title. » “Our team remains the same, we just lost a man,” Jarvis continues. “Maverick is joining a team of experts and that will make things simpler. »
Viñales will have Ramon Forcada in his ranks, the chief mechanic behind Jorge Lorenzo's successes since 2008. “We knew he was fast, but we didn't expect him to be so fast,” adds Meregalli. “I thought it would have taken him longer. Our approach has not changed and we are really optimistic. »
In the presentation schedule, the Ducati team will officially reveal itself tomorrow alongside Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo:
20/01: Ducati,
29/01: Suzuki,
03/02: Honda Repsol,
20/02: KTM Racing.
