Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis believes that Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo is “the strongest duo possible to go hunting for Marquez”.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP boss provided some insights into the team’s racing strategy.
In 2021, Valentino Rossi will be replaced by Fabio Quartararo in the factory Yamaha team.
“Quartararo’s signature for 2021 was secured early because our mission is to compete,” said Mr Jarvis.
“If we compete, we then want to win and we want to do it using the best weapons, whether that be software, hardware, riders or mechanics.”
“We are happy with the 2021 team: in Quartararo we have the fastest and most talented young man, plus Maverick has many years of experience in MotoGP. It is the strongest duo possible to go hunting for Marquez.”
It’s still up in the air whether or not Valentino Rossi will compete in 2021, as the Italian this week confirmed that he wants to continue racing.
“It is a topic we are talking about at Yamaha and I expect a deal with him (Rossi) shortly. We are entering a phase in which we must look to the future. His plan was to decide at the end of June or even earlier, after five or six races.
“Now, Vale will have to decide if he wants to move forward and then together we will have to find a way to do it. It will happen before he starts riding again, I’m sure.”
Mr Jarvis hopes that Valentino Rossi will continue to compete.
“He will only run if he still feels competitive. My wish is that he will continue because ending his career like this, with less races and without spectators, would not be fair for a Champion like him. And it would also apply to our sport: we will need to start again with confidence, with people in the stands, and Vale on track is something that we will need.”
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
