The Iwata factory have said they’re “open to the possibility” of the five-time World Champion returning to race action
After announcing his retirement from MotoGP™ in November at the 2019 Valencia finale, Jorge Lorenzo has returned to Yamaha Factory Racing as a test rider.
The news came on 30 January as the Iwata factory and the five-time World Champion confirmed they are back working together, with Lorenzo set to take part in the Sepang shakedown test on 2-4 February. But is a spectacular return to racing on the cards for Yamaha’s three-time Champion?
Well, the Japanese giants aren’t ruling it out. A Yamaha statement said: “So far, no wildcard rides are planned for Lorenzo in 2020, but Yamaha is open to the possibility, should he decide to race again.” But will we really see Lorenzo back racing on board a Yamaha?
It’s a sight that will get any MotoGP™ fans’ senses tingling, and it’s usual to see factory test riders wildcarding during the season. Bradley Smith (Aprilia), Michele Pirro (Ducati) and Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki) all partook in at least three wildcards last season, but Lorenzo’s career-long rival Dani Pedrosa – who also announced his retirement from racing a year before Lorenzo – hasn’t wildcarded for KTM.
“I’m very happy with the decision to join the Yamaha Factory Test Team. I was always planning on staying involved in MotoGP and returning to the paddock, and I think this is a suitable role for me,” commented Lorenzo. “I know the team and the M1 well. The Yamaha really suited my riding style, and it will be very interesting to ’meet up with my old bike again.”
We now wait and see if Lorenzo and Yamaha line-up a wildcard appearance in 2020. In the meantime, you will be able to see the number 99 back on the front of Yamaha at the Sepang shakedown test. Track footage and photo galleries will be available on motogp.com as 2020 revs into life.
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