Fiat Yamaha launch at the Sepang test?

Hello Proc,

Big news indeed. I think it will change the picture a little bit, specailly for Jorge. We know the M1 is quick, today it was the fastest bike, but if we remember last season, during race weekends sometimes it was hard for Lorenzo to find the right setup quickly and the data sharing policy did help him. Later on both camps alleged the other rider was copying setups. In my view this meant that at some point both Lorenzo and Rossi recurred to their team-mate to find a good setup for a particular circuit. My guess is that Lorenzo "copied" Rossi´s setups more often than Rossi copied Lorenzo´s, because Valentino has far more experience in finding the right balance.

I´m sure Valentino wants to show that without data sharing, the gap between them is wider than it looked in 2009. However the loss will be also for him, because sharing information with Jorge for sure helped him at least a couple of times.

It will hurt Jorge far more than Valentino. By the end of 2009 they were barely speaking and no info was shared for the final third or so of the season - I think Rossi won't even notice the lack of input from his teammate. The biggest concern is how close will the Honda and Ducati factory riders support each other. If they really "team" up then Rossi may have to dig deep to stay with their development pace but he's going to have the upper hand for the first few races for sure. As for Yamaha and who is fighting for a seat I would guess that Rossi has the upper hand on retention if he wants it. Even though no one will admit it yet it wouldn't surprise me to see him in Massa's Ferrari next year unless Felipe wins the championship - that will be tough with Alonso in the sister car. If he sticks with MGP he will race for whoever he wants, he's the star.

As other people have said, it is possible that one or both of the riders were benefiting from the others setup, logic would state that it was lorenzo more than rossi, as the latter has many more years experience.

As for riding for their seat, They will both be looking to come out on top, to further cement their reputations even further, but there is one drawback. They could end up taking points off each other, it didn't happen last year, as Stoner took sick, Pedrosa had too many injuries to start off with, but this year, it could cost Yamaha the riders title.

Their bikes should be the same, i cant see Yamaha shortd***ing themselves favouring one rider, they should have the data from last year to look on when setting up this years bikes, its is probably settings from this year that wont be for anybody elses eyes.

I think this Yamaha move will effectively keep Rossi and Lorenzo in the same team. This was the whole issue right?

I'm not saying I'm not extremely curious to see Rossi in a Ducati :) but I don't believe it will happen after this.

[ hi Proc..no sharing of data,and the line drawn down the pit garage.well at least they've declared the state of play before the season begins, so there won't be any rumours floating about..

I think it's probably too keep the Rossi, Burgess partnership seperate, then if they win the championship again this season it would up their price if anyone (Ducati) were interested in employing them next season as i think Rossi will move next seaon which let's Ben in, and would be no skin off Lorenzos nose (sorry i couldn't resist that one)...<^><..

Hi Proc!

Oh - I have lots of opinions, just nothing about bikes! (LOL)

(Sorry- but I haven't barged in on your questions in a while!! LOL)