The other day I spoke of the troubles afflicting the Yamaha Grand Prix team. The article generated quite a bit of discussion and some interesting ideas flowed on from it. So, just as a postscript, here’s two thoughts, one of them mine and one from one of my readers.
- It occurred to me that the downturn in Yamaha’s fortunes has corresponded exactly with the departure of Jorge Lorenzo from the team so, what if Yamaha’s current misfortunes stem from the fact that it has been Lorenzo, not Rossi, who has been the driving force behind Yamaha’s development all this time? Nothing is ever said about his abilities as a development riders but it’s probably worth asking. Some may say that his lack of success on the Ducati would negate this idea but remember that he has been presented with a fait accompli at Ducati and the bike is plainly set to favour Dovizioso’s style of riding. It sounds far-fetched, I know, but stranger things have happened.
- A reader has suggested that Yamaha’s woes about finding a partner for 2019 could easily be solved by allowing or encouraging Rossi to set up his own satellite team as has been suggested in years past. It would keep it all “in house” and it would allow him to bring a couple of his proteges into MotoGp perhaps earlier than was already planned. Of course the sticking point here is that Yamaha would require Rossi to retire from racing in order to concentrate 100% on being a team manager. Since he is showing no desire to do so at the moment, and since Vinales is struggling in the extreme at the moment this idea will probably just remain an idea, albeit the obvious solution to Yamaha’s problems.
On to other matters and, strangely, they both involve Kenny Blake. The Isle of Man TT races have started which always reminds the faithful that it was there that Kenny lost his life in 1981. As usual, the faithful will gather at the Laurel Hotel at Ascot Vale in Melbourne on the 9th of June which is a Saturday this year for the traditional memorial lunch. It’s some years since I went to the lunch so I’m planning on going this year if I can.
The little town of Strathalbyn in the Adelaide hills is Kenny’s birthplace and this year they have planned a Kenny Blake Festival to coincide with Kenny’s birthday in October. Unfortunately, well after the event was set in stone the date for the MotoGp was altered meaning that the main events of the festival will now occur on the Sunday when the GP is being run. Nevertheless the festival will go ahead and should be a wonderful weekend of reminiscing and good times.
There is a Facebook site set up to promote the event so you can get all the info you want there.
https://www.facebook.com/kennyblakefestival/
Duty calls so I’ll catch you next time.