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Yamaha's decision to stop Lorenzo from completing any 2016 tests on the Ducati, with the exception of Valencia, has taken many by surprise, starting with Jorge himself. Also because both Suzuki and Ducati are freeing up Vinales and Iannone.
Lin Jarvis, managing director for the Iwata team, has decided to speak up and respond to the criticism that is raining down.
“Contractually, no Yamaha rider can ride bikes of other brands as long as they have a valid contract with us - he explains - Lorenzo's expires on 31 December and we're giving him the two days at Valencia in the spirit of collaboration between manufacturers. We consider this to be a reasonable and sufficient concession”.
There's no arguing with that, but many have raised the issue of sportsmanship.
“Yamaha is not just a team, but a multinational that has to protect its interests - he underlines - MotoGP is a sport, but also a business. We invest a lot of money and we want a return on our investment, as do our sponsors. Dall’Igna has talked about sportsmanship, but Ducati's aim, like ours, is not to be sportsmanlike but competitive”.
Nobody wants to give future rivals an advantage.
“Lorenzo is a multiple world champion and the Ducati a competitive bike, next year they will be our rivals - he continues - They will want to win the first race, as do we, why should we let him test a rival bike while we are still paying him. It's simply a rational business decision”.
But one which others have chosen not to make.
“You would have to know what kind of contracts the others have - stated Jarvis - Yamaha is a serious company and this means respecting a contract. I respect everyone's decision, everyone has their own way of seeing things. We are correct and what goes for Jorge also goes for Pol Espargarò, though their situations are different. Our policy is the same for everyone”.
Lastly, the managing director raises a doubt about the aforementioned Valencia tests.
“Personally I don't agree with that test - he says - I understand its media value but I find that it only creates confusion to see a rider who, up until the previous day was wearing certain colours, move to another brand”.
