Rennie Scaysbrook | November 5, 2020
Rossi to Take Part in the European GP
The two consecutive negative test results allow Rossi to reunite with the Team and take part in this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Europa.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team are delighted to announce that Valentino Rossi will be taking part in this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Europa.
Yesterday (November 5), Rossi took a PCR test and tested negative for the Covid-19 virus. As per the Italian law, the Yamaha rider was allowed to end his self-isolation and take part in everyday society again from then on. Rossi took this opportunity to fly to Valencia, Spain, in the evening. However, he remained in self-isolation throughout the night.
This morning (November 6), the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider took a second PCR test, as per FIM regulations, and this afternoon it came back negative.
The two consecutive negative test results allow Rossi to reunite with the Team and take part in this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Europa.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP sincerely thank standby replacement rider Garrett Gerloff for his support and availability.
Garrett Gerloff completed the first free practice session of the Gran Premio de Europa this morning, securing 16th place.
Garrett Gerloff made his MotoGP debut this morning [November 6, 2020]. The 25-year-old American impressed with his quick adaption to the new-for-him Valencian track, YZR-M1, and Michelin tires. His best time was a 1’43.645s, set on lap 17/21, which earned him 16th place, 1.582s from the front.
Position: 16th | Best lap time: 1’43.645 (+1.582s) | Laps: 21
Man, what an experience! That was amazing, to ride the YZR-M1. There are so many things that are amazing about the bike. They are reminding me of the R1, but at the same time they are different – it‘s just another level of motorcycle. It was super cool! ’Thank you‘ to Yamaha for giving me the opportunity, and we‘ll see what happens in the second session. I‘m just really happy to be here.
Garrett Gerloff to Ride in European GP FP1 and FP2
UPDATE November 6, 2020:
The following is a press release from Yamaha Motor Racing…
Following a negative PCR test result obtained on Thursday, November 5, Valentino Rossi made his way to Valencia, Spain. This morning (Friday, November 6) he took another PCR test as per FIM requirements. He is currently waiting for the result, which is expected later this evening. Should he test negative, he will take part in this weekend’s Gran Premio de Europa from tomorrow on. In the meantime, standby replacement rider Garrett Gerloff will take his place.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP announced that Garrett Gerloff will take part in today’s MotoGP FP1 and FP2 sessions of the European GP held in Valencia, Spain, while waiting for the result of the PCR test that Valentino Rossi did this morning, that will be revealed this evening.
Should the Italian test negative again, he will take part in this weekend’s Gran Premio de Europa from tomorrow’s FP3 onward.
UPDATE November 5, 2020
Garrett Gerloff, the American WorldSBK star, is still waiting in the wings should The Doctor fail to record a negative Covid-19 test ahead of the European GP. But Rossi has been allowed to travel to Spain to potentially race in Gran Premio de Europa if he returns two negative PCT test results.
Rossi’s PCR test on November 3 came back with a positive result for Covid-19 and then, on November, 4, Rossi returned another positive result.
“This virus is very complicated and serious,” said 41-year-old Rossi. “I felt bad for two days, then in a few days I came back to being fully fit, at my 100%. I self-isolated at home all the time and I followed the medical advice closely. It’s a very sad and difficult situation, but that’s the way it is.”
Yamaha Sanctioned
In other news for the OEM, Yamaha was handed penalties for “failing to failed to respect the protocol MSMA protocols,” but this has no effect on rider points.
Here is the complete press release:
After failing to respect MSMA technical changes protocols, Yamaha, Monster Energy Yamaha & Petronas Yamaha SRT are given points deductions
Due to an internal oversight, Yamaha Motor Company failed to respect the protocol which requires them to obtain unanimous approval from MSMA for technical changes.
For this reason, Yamaha Motor Company have had 50 World Championship Constructor points withdrawn. This is double the points earned whilst not respecting the protocol required for technical changes.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP have had 20 World Championship Team points withdrawn. This is the points earned whilst not respecting the protocol.
Petronas Yamaha SRT have had 37 World Championship Team points withdrawn. This is also the points earned whilst not respecting the protocol.
This means the respective Championships now look like this:
Constructor Championship:
Ducati – 171
Suzuki – 163
Yamaha – 158
KTM – 143
Honda – 117
Aprilia – 36
Team Championship:
Team Suzuki Ecstar – 242
Petronas Yamaha SRT – 198
Ducati Team – 180
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 157
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – 156
Pramac Racing – 128
November 4, 2020:
Garrett Gerloff could get a dream call up this weekend at the Valencia MotoGP as Valentino Rossi’s replacement, should Rossi once again test positive for COVID-19.
Two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Gerloff has spent 2020 competing in the WorldSBK Championship with GRT Yamaha, earning multiple podiums towards the end of the year and gaining recognition for his speed at learning new venues and competition.
Rossi needs to meet the requirement of two negative PCR test results to be allowed to take part in this weekend’s GP event. Rossi’s last PCR test, done on Tuesday, November 3, came back with a positive result for COVID-19.
Nevertheless, today (Wednesday, November 4) the Italian will undergo a new test. Should he test negative, he will still have enough time to complete the required second PCR test and fly to Valencia.
Should Rossi be deemed ‘unfit’ to ride in Valencia, Gerloff will be backed by Rossi’s usual crew for his very first riding experience aboard a YZR-M1.
“I’m so honored that Yamaha has considered me for this opportunity,” Gerloff said. “This year has already been quite the adventure, and this would be the cherry on top. It’s been a dream of mine to ride the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike since I started racing so many years ago, and to potentially have it happen is really exciting. But I am just sorry to get this opportunity under these unfortunate circumstances for Valentino.
“I feel really bad for him and I hope that he recovers soon, we all miss the number 46 on track! All the best to him. If I do end up riding this weekend, it will be an uphill battle not knowing the bike, tires, brakes, etc. Also, I have never been to the Valencia track before. But I’m confident in myself and ready for the challenge! Thanks to all at Yamaha. Bring it on!”
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