It’s already been this season’s most interesting week in off-track MotoGP action, but now there’s more news: Jorge Lorenzo has returned to the Yamaha factory team. Now, he’s going to be a test rider, not a racer.
It’s a move that makes sense; Lorenzo won his 2010, 2012 and 2015 titles with Yamaha, and rode with them from 2008 through 2016. After his rookie season with Yamaha, where he finished fourth overall in the standings, he never finished below third overall when he rode there. Obviously, he’s got great history riding for Yamaha.
The news comes on top of the revelation that Yamaha has extended Maverick Vinales’ contract through 2022, and also signed Fabio Quartararo for 2021 and 2022. Valentino Rossi has been promised a factory contract and bike at the end of the 2020 season, but it might not be with the big team. All in all, it’s very interesting times at Yamaha, and it’s no surprise Lorenzo wants back in.
Of course, it wasn’t that long ago that Lorenzo was in the news over his retirement. He’d been with the Honda factory team for the 2019 season, and had horrible results, especially with a bad crash at Assen that resulted in a back injury. At that time, there was considerable speculation about his future plans, and now we know what’s next.
“Returning to Yamaha brings with it some good memories,” Lorenzo said. “We secured many podiums and victories, and three titles together, so we know where our strengths lie. I want to thank Yamaha for this opportunity, because this allows me to do what I love – riding motorbikes and pushing the limit – whilst enjoying a slightly calmer lifestyle than I did in previous years.”
Lorenzo starts his new job next week, with pre-season testing in Sepang.
I’m sure VR46 is just tickled pink about having Hor-Hay (did I get it right this time Jacob ?) back under the tuning fork banner. They always got along so well (sarcasm font).
“Whore-Hey! (look at me!!) Lorenzo”…just retire and move on already, please…you don’t need the money and this patent attempt at remaining relevant in MotoGP is simply sad. Can you imagine any of the past multiple winning world champs ‘working’ as a test rider? Seriously?? SMH.
Like Casey Stoner ?
Exactly. Very sad. Or how about Ago, Roberts, Lawson, Gardner, Spencer, Rainey, Schwantz, Doohan?? I simply cannot imagine Rossi or Marquez ‘retiring’ to a test rider position and it appears that you do…AND, that’s ok. There are many diverse viewpoints…
Don’t forget Pedrosa
This is one of the weirdest rants I’ve ever seen. I have a difficult time understanding being offended that the guy wants to keep a toe in the water and experience an entirely different aspect of the industry. I guess my failing to understand is based on the concept of whatever floats yer cork. I just can’t understand being butthurt over how somebody decides to earn a living.
personally–I think Lorenzo hates Marquez and wants to develop the Yamaha to beat him. And I think he wants to still enter races he thinks he can win, on wild cards.
Trane Francks: “rant”, “offended”, “butthurt” ?? Seriously? Friend, you seem to ‘project’ a lot….LOL. It’s a rather simple observation, on my part, of seeing a retired, former multi-year world champion desperately trying to remain ‘relevant’. Again, your personal projections regarding my comment …hahaha
I think he was just saying that your rant wasn’t relevant, that you have emotional issues.
Burt: Your comment proves that ad hominem is always the answer when one is void of a cogent response. Nothing new as there exists a large variation in human intelligence and emotional maturity. Keep it rubber side down and shiny side up friend.
el gar, Did Jorge Piss in your corn flakes or something?