Jorge Lorenzo determines to extend contract at Yamaha
Even though he hasn’t played any more trials with Yamaha since the Shakedown period and MotoGP Pre-Season in February, Jorge Lorenzo remains in his stance to stay as the Japanese manufacturer’s Test Rider.
For information, previously the former Ducati rider was scheduled to undergo a closed trial in Motegi, Japan in April.
However, the Coronavirus pandemic has become increasingly worrisome so that the plan was canceled by Yamaha.
But what was no less surprising was that the tuning fork team still did not play Lorenzo in the Misano trial which had new asphalt in mid-June.
Even this decision made two of their riders, Valentino Rossi and Fabio Quartararo, annoyed. The reason is, the presence of Lorenzo as a test rider should be able to help a lot in the development of the motorbike, especially since the man from Spain is very compatible with the YZR-M1.
However, Yamaha did explain the reasons behind the decision through their manager, Massimo Meregalli. Yamaha is hesitant to send their engineers to Japan in the midst of a pandemic like this.
This statement was later confirmed by Lorenzo himself, but he was still disappointed that he would not undergo a closed trial.
“According to what Yamaha told me, the Coronavirus pandemic situation has triggered problems with logistics for its personnel to come from Japan. It’s a shame I can’t bring my experience to this project,” said the 33-year-old rider.
In fact, the former Repsol Honda Team racer admitted that he hopes for a contract extension offered by Yamaha in the near future.
Lorenzo admits that he is at home as well as enthusiastic about his new role as a test rider.
“That’s my priority. I hope Yamaha still wants me and still has hopes of creating a test team that can improve their bike. I think, with my experience and feelings, I can contribute a lot,”
“Now I have plenty of time to do whatever interests me. But when at home, I maintain a routine to stay in shape. I train in the morning and during the day I study, plan for the future or have fun,” he concluded.