The doors of the official Yamaha team have opened for Franco Morbidelli. This was confirmed by Razlan Razali of the Petronas team, that of Matthew Birt for the UK magazine MCN. was interviewed. After Vinales left, they looked to Iwata for a replacement worthy of the Spanish voyage, and they found him. The only problem is that Morbidelli had already signed a contract for 2022 and with Petronas.
While it’s not official yet, it seems obvious from reading Razali’s statements that Franco will replace Vinales in 2022: “It’s a natural path, his dream, and we couldn’t deny him that possibility. He asked us and we have already given him the green light. Now it’s a discussion between Yamaha and the VR46.”
This means Petronas may have to build its team from scratch over the next year. Valentino Rossi will soon decide whether to continue racing and if he resigns, the Malaysian team would have two vacant bikes. Dovizioso would be tempting, but he doesn’t seem to be the driver Razali is looking for.
“It’s a very appealing idea, but with the utmost respect for Valentino, we don’t want to end up in a situation similar to this year“The manager explained. “They are both fantastic drivers, but the level has increased a lot. Valentino is faster than last year but is fighting for points. Dovizioso has been out for a year. We want guys to shape like we did with Fabio Quartararo. “
Rea, whose name is on everyone’s lips, doesn’t seem like a suitable choice either.
“We made a list of candidates who aren’t in MotoGP and his name was there, like Toprack and Garrett. But unfortunately his age plays against him. We really want to focus on young people“The manager explained.
So beginner, but who? The two Petronas riders in Moto2, Vierge and Dixon, don’t seem ready to enter MotoGP yet.
“We look at Moto2 from first to ninth place, where Xavi is. There are still drivers like Marco Bezzecchi, Joe Roberts and Marcel Schrotter, ”concluded Razali.