The upcoming switch from Valentino Rossi to Petronas Yamaha has been a topic of conversation in the past few days. The Italian colleagues in particular are convinced that the 41-year-old superstar will soon sign a one-year contract including an option for 2022. Before that, however, some details would have to be clarified, including the future crew around the nine-time world champion.
Now Petronas-Yamaha team director Johan Stigefelt said: «When we talk about Valentino’s history, it is important to say that we are talking about the most important rider in MotoGP history and one of the most famous athletes across all disciplines. This is very, very interesting for us as a team – with our partners, of course, »he said. “But we haven’t had a personal conversation with Vale yet. We consulted with Yamaha, but we haven’t really sat down yet to go through the details of the entire Vale engagement project. So that has to be done. »
In addition to Valentino Rossi, his VR46 protégé Franco Morbidelli is in a promising position for a contract extension with the Yamaha customer team. «As we know, Fabio will [Quartararo] move up to the Yamaha factory team next year and Franky currently has no contract. It is also very important for us to talk about it and to decide whether he can stay. We are interested and he and his management know that, »added Stigefelt.
“As we can see now, Dorna is working feverishly to race in Jerez in July. That is earlier than we would have thought and it is very, very good, »continued the 44-year-old Swede. But he also knows: «We have to determine our drivers before we come to Jerez. Because at the end of July it will be late, even if the season only starts. We are currently looking very carefully at our driver situation for 2021. »
When Yamaha took the places in the factory team for 2021 and 2022 in January, Rossi was also offered factory support if he wanted to continue in 2021. Petrona’s Yamaha SRT is the logical option for the «Dottore».
Stigefelt: «We have a very good relationship with Yamaha. We’ve only worked with them for a year, but it feels like it’s a lot more. When we started the project in 2018, I and Razlan had [Razali] many, many meetings with Lin [Jarvis] and YMC [Yamaha Motor Company]. Our relationship is very close because they were involved when this team was built. They believe in us, in our completely new structure and in what we have achieved. It is something we will never forget. Yamaha took up the challenge after working with Tech3 for so many years with a stable and strong team and a solid partner they had in Monster. Thanks to the support from Petronas, we are on an equal footing, which is the key for the entire project. »
«I would also like to point out that we have to involve our partners in this discussion. They are the key, »said the team director. “So before anyone gets to know anything, our partners should know. I think everyone will be positive about Vale’s commitment, if that’s what is most important to find a match in this situation. »
The fact is: the 41-year-old MotoGP superstar would guarantee the sponsors and the racing team from Malaysia a lot of attention, but he has been victorious on the track since 46 Grand Prix. The 20 year younger Quartararo was on the podium seven times in 2019, Rossi only twice.
«Maybe we were spoiled a bit with the results we achieved in 2019 when we did so well – especially with Fabio. We are aware that there may be worse times in terms of the results … You never know, »said Stigefelt. «But Franco is stronger this year. We saw that he was really good in the winter tests. It’s a shame we haven’t been able to race yet because I think he’s a strong contender for the podium. And Fabio was always with the strongest drivers. As I said, it’s a shame for us that we haven’t raced yet. »
“So it’s a little early to think about Rossi,” added Stigefelt. «But I would like to emphasize that, in my personal opinion, he is the driver in MotoGP history who has had the greatest influence on and off the track. If we can find an agreement, as a team we will do everything we can to satisfy him and build a strong team around him that he will be comfortable with. We all – Razlan, me and the whole team, we are competitive people. We know where we want to go and we have a great package and relationship with Yamaha. Vale will certainly get full support from the YMC. It’s too early to talk about his technical crew. That is one of the points that we will discuss with him. We’ll get to that later. »
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