Moto GP
Rossi cleared to race; Vinales gets penalty, to start from pitlane
| Valencia, 6 Nov 2020: Following a negative PCR test result obtained on Thursday 5th November, Valentino Rossi made his way to Valencia, Spain. This morning, he took another PCR test as per FIM requirements and again tested negative, allowing him to take part in this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Europa. Earlier, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi‘s replacement rider Garrett Gerloff completed the first free practice session of the Gran Premio de Europa this morning. Due to the tricky wet track conditions at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, the pair didn‘t take too many risks but still showed solid form, securing 10th and 16th place respectively. |
| Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi‘s replacement rider Garrett Gerloff got their first laps in around the Ricardo Tormo circuit today. Despite the wet track conditions, the riders showed their motivation, putting in a solid number of laps looking for the limit. They took 10th and 16th place respectively in the FP1 results. Viñales likes the Valencia circuit and needed little time to re-familiarise himself with the Ricardo Tormo track in FP1. Though the quite chilly and wet conditions are different from what‘s predicted for Sunday‘s race, the local hero was keen on getting a decent amount of laps in. His best time, a 1’43.009s, set on lap 7/19, put him in 10th place, 0.946s from first. With Valentino Rossi waiting for the second PCR test result needed for him to join the European GP, standby replacement rider Garrett Gerloff made his MotoGP debut this morning. The 25-year-old American impressed with his quick adaption to the, for him, new Valencian track, YZR-M1, and Michelin tyres. His best time was a 1’43.645s, set on lap 17/21, which earned him 16th place, 1.582s from the front. Rossi to race: 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 (Thursday 5th November), 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 (Friday 6th November), 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. Vinales penalty: Please find attached a sanction for Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) for using an engine outside the FIM MotoGP™ engine durability specifications. He will start the Gran Premio de Europa from pitlane, five seconds after the green light is shown at the pit exit. |
