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Yonny Hernandez arrived in Sepang wearing the Team Tech3 colours and a beaming smile on his face. It will be the Colombian swinging a leg over the M1 for these tests that were left unmanned by Folger. The call came while he was busy with the team Pedercini Kawasaki in the Jerez SBK tests “And I said ‘yes’ straight away” he recounts.
The M1 seat is hard to resist and Poncharal himself stated that Hernandez is one of the riders on the (short) list of candidates for 2017.
“For now, I have only spoken with Hervé about this test and not about the one in Thailand or anything else - Yonny is non-committal - Logically I also spoke with Pedercini. He understands that this is a good opportunity for me and he gave me his OK.”
The doubt remains as to whether the Colombian is also thinking about racing for the entire season in MotoGP, but he was offering no further details.
“It’s too early to talk about my dreams - laughing - For the moment, I just want tomorrow morning to come so I can get in the saddle. I am very curious to try the Yamaha. In my MotoGP career I have only ridden the Ducati and the CRT bikes.”
On paper, the M1 is very different.
“I spoke with the guys on the team and they told me that it takes a smoother riding style. On the Ducati, on the other hand, I drifted a lot because that was the right way to ride to go fast - he explains - As I said, I’m curious to try the M1, also because all the other riders who have ridden it have been quick. I have no pressure and a signed contract for SBK, so I’ll be able to enjoy this test.”
And perhaps, playing as an outsider, he’ll have some surprises in store.
“You can’t think that you’ll go on the track and immediately do the top time - Yonny warns - First I need to get to know the bike and the team and I need to get used to the tyres. The Michelins are very different from the Pirellis. Having already done the SBK tests will be helpful. I’m already warmed up” he concludes laughing.
