Team Yamaha Racing – Rossi arrived second at Phillip Island, but now he hopes to win. He doesn’t get to the top step of the podium from Catalunya GP (5 May). The gap with Honda increased during the season. “We need a faster engine. By mid-season the Honda seems to be faster than the M1. In 2017, I want a motorcycle stronger in both the engine and in the difficulties that appear in the second half of the race.” admits the Italian pilot.
“This second half of the season was very complicated. When I saw the Marquez’s fall, I thought I could win. However, Cal was very fast in Australia. However, it was the result that we needed after the Motegi’s mistake. I believe it was the most frustrating moment of the season.” adds Valentino Rossi.
Team Yamaha Racing: Jarvis and His Passion for the Races
To manage everything in Team Yamaha Racing is Lin Jarvis. He is a motorcycle enthusiast from an early age, thanks to his father. “I wasn’t good enough to be a pilot, even though the bikes are my life. The first bike was a trial model when I was 15 years. My first job was at 18 years in the English distributor of Yamaha. I walked around England doing everything, complaints department, warehouse, mechanical support, racing Department. But there was Margaret Thatcher and I didn’t like his policies. I didn’t like Great Britain and I quit. Then, I bought an Opel used and I went to France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy.” said the Yamaha team principal in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Then he wrote to Yamaha Amsterdam and so he started this career. Yamaha team principal talks about the “ups and downs” with Valentino Rossi. “I, Masao Furusawa and Davide Brivio did a great job. After Biaggi and Checa, in 2003 with Melandri and Barros was a difficult time, the only way to win was to have Vale on our bikes.” said Jarvis.
Lin Jarvis: “I hoped that Valentino didn’t say anything in Sepang“
“Valentino dominated. We never managed to beat him on a Honda. Davide went to Ibiza and the operation succeeded. Then, in 2010, instead Valentino went away and there was much tension. Jorge was fighting for the first title and Rossi wanted to prove that he is the right man. The 2015 has a complicated last season. With Vale believed that the race had been manipulated and from the press conference at Sepang changed everything.” said the Team Yamaha Racing Team principal.
“I hoped that Valentino didn’t say anything. Often, pilots should be quiet. I think that expresses always your opinion isn’t necessarily a good idea. This concept applies both Valentino and Jorge. If Rossi hadn’t been so hard on Sepang Conference, I’m pretty sure that there would be a huge reaction of Marquez. It was his mistake.” continued Jarvis. “He could handle it any other way. Maybe Sepang and the 2015 MotoGP World Championship could have a different outcome. However, Jorge could become champion being shut. So, the situation exploded. But they are pilots. Warm, emotional, you can’t control them, just recommend them.”
Jarvis: “Jorge was the young talent and Vale was the King“
Lin Jarvis admits that he hopes for a different relationship between Rossi and Vinales. “I hope it is easier. Jorge was the young talent and Vale was the King. Today there is a difference in age between Maverick and Valentino. But I know that when Viñales will approach the dynamic Rossi, he will change.” said Lin. Finally a comment, a hope, a wish. Rossi in MotoGP even after 2018? “Today, I believe it. The next two years will not the last, but he will understand when his moment arrives. He is a leader. Rossi starts every season to be the new champion. And I, for my part, I have no doubt about him.” said Jarvis.
