Lorenzo “never ever imagined” Rossi’s SRT MotoGP shift
A few-time MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo claims he “would under no circumstances have imagined” Valentino Rossi going to the satellite Petronas SRT Yamaha squad in 2021.
Just after 15 seasons jointly from 2004-2010 and 2013-2020, Rossi departed the factory Yamaha outfit at the end of previous period soon after shedding his seat to Fabio Quartararo for 2021.
Yamaha available Rossi a new manufacturing unit group contract at the commencing of 2020, but moved to sign Quartararo when the Italian insisted on evaluating his performances in the opening rounds of the campaign ahead of deciding to continue on his vocation.
At the time, Ducati was thought to be really keen on securing each Quartararo and Maverick Vinales’ providers further than 2020.
Rossi will remain a manufacturing facility-backed rider in 2021, but returns to a satellite staff for the first time considering the fact that his initial premier class title-successful season in 2001 with the is effective-supported Nastro Azzurro Honda squad.
Speaking to Sky Italy, previous group-mate Lorenzo admits he was “shocked” about Yamaha’s selection to oust Rossi from its manufacturing unit established-up, but does not consider the Italian’s situation will adjust much.
“I was astonished by Yamaha’s decision to place Rossi in a satellite crew like Petronas [SRT], I would under no circumstances have imagined it,” Lorenzo, who retired from MotoGP at the stop of 2019, explained.
“But at the similar time I think that for him it will not improve that significantly, he will do it nicely.
“We have witnessed the excellent outcomes accomplished by Quartararo and [Franco] Morbidelli, the bike is competitive and Yamaha in the end will have to do like everyone else: glance to the upcoming.
“When I begun with them in 2008, they had to find a approach B in case Valentino left and they selected a youthful rider like me.
“The long run comes for the youngest, picking Quartararo is something sensible.”
Lorenzo penned a deal with Yamaha in 2006 prior to he’d won the initially of his two 250cc crowns – a go instigated by Alpine Components 1’s new racing director and then-Yamaha staff supervisor Davide Brivio.
Lorenzo’s 2021 strategies are unclear at the moment following losing his Yamaha check rider function to Cal Crutchlow.
The Spaniard did keep discussions with Aprilia to be its test rider in 2021, but that trail has absent tranquil because the winter season.
Having said that, Lorenzo hasn’t ruled out the risk of turning out to be a rider supervisor: “I have quite a few concepts for my long run, considerably less stress filled than racing in MotoGP, but continue to enjoyable,” he extra.
“A person possible way, for illustration, would be to be a tv commentator and I will not rule out the possibility of using my practical experience with a youthful rider by getting his manager.”