MotoGP, Pernat: "Rossi will continue racing for a long time"

It was a 360° Carlo Pernat quoted on the pages of the Corriere dello Sport today. The team manager sums up the situation in view of the Sepang tests, where all the protagonists of the premier class will be busy on Sunday. Much of the limelight will be on Yamaha, seeking redemption after a less than stellar 2017 season: “In the race for the title last year, they were certainly lacking – Pernat reminded – This time, the situation will not be repeated. They will be competitive.”

The first test will also be the chance to see the Suzuki in action which will have “Open” privileges next season, and let’s not forget about KTM: “After the first five or six races, it will be competitive. The rider market will open up, probably making Marquez an offer – the Italian manager revealed – Thanks to their Red Bull sponsor, they will be able to afford an offer that no one will be able to match.”

In the battle for the title, Rossi will certainly be in the mix with all the discussion surrounding his future: “We couldn’t do without him – Pernat commented – Vale has demonstrated that he is still competitive. He is one-of-a-kind. Yamaha will try to hold onto him through, and then he’ll sign an option for 2020 – he added – There is probably already a pre-contract. He will only stop if he himself realises that he is no longer competitive, but I don’t think that will happen.”

The 2018, however, will revolve around another rider “Marquez will be the one who tips the scales and he will have to accept or reject the offers.” Many are wondering why he would leave a bike like the Honda, with which he has won four World Championships: “He needs to do like Rossi, who moved to Yamaha – Pernat said – In the end, he’ll win more championship titles than Valentino. This is his goal, to beat him and to be able to say in the end ‘I’m better than you’.”

Negotiations still have not begun, but it will be a different story than it was two years ago: “The budgets will be halved – the team manager analysed – 2018 is the last year with contracts at these levels.” In closing, Pernat has no doubts about who the surprise of the season will be: “It could be none other than Lorenzo”. Whereas about Iannone: “He needs to get back into the positions worthy of him, because he is an extraordinary talent.”