You are here

MotoGP, No "secret" test for Valentino Rossi at the Red Bull Ring

The tests were organized by Yamaha Europe, but the Doctor and the Riders Academy riders were denied travel permits

MotoGP: No "secret" test for Valentino Rossi at the Red Bull Ring

Share


The Misano circuit reopened today, with several World Championship and SBK riders on the track for a first test, but neither Valentino Rossi nor any rider from his Riders Academy were present. Although the Doctor lives a few kilometers from the racetrack, his place of residence is in another region, and that's why he wasn't allowed to go. And what's even stranger is that none of the riders from his school accepted the invitation.

According to Speedweek, Valentino's plans were different. In fact, Yamaha Europe had organized a test for today at the Red Bull Ring, in which Rossi and the Academy riders, including Franco Morbidelli, should have taken part.

The plan was to leave with a private plane, land in Graz, and reach the circuit from there. Unfortunately, however, they didn't succeed because the Austrian authorities did not grant them the required travel documents.

Mandy Kainz, head of the Yamaha Austria Racing Team, confirmed it. “Everything was ready. Even Valentino would have liked to come with his boys, but he wasn't even allowed to go to Misano today, as far as I know. I wrote an email to Deputy Chancellor and Minister of Sports Werner Kogler but, unfortunately, I have not received a reply. Valentino himself also made a request to Graz. Now we'll see if we can organize another date."

The test at the Red Bull Ring was supposed to have involved many Yamaha riders. Michael vd Mark also tried to reach Austria but without success, while Vinales and Quartararo are stuck in Andorra.

"We had talked to Maio Meregalli and, at first, it seemed as if it would have worked out," Kainz added. Unfortunately, things went differently.

Testing on the Austrian circuit would certainly be useful, considering that it would be one of the tracks where the MotoGP plans to race. But it's not possible for now, although a test in Misano is scheduled for Valentino in the coming weeks.

Translated by Leila Myftija
__

Related articles