Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP have designated GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team‘s Garrett Gerloff as the standby replacement rider to fill in for Valentino Rossi should the Italian not be able to meet the requirement of two negative PCR tests needed to be allowed to take part in this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Europa.
Following the two Grands Prix weekends in Aragon in October, where Maverick Viñales performed as the sole Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider, the team is pleased to announce it has added GRT Yamaha WorldSBK rider Garrett Gerloff to its potential rider line-up for the Gran Premio de Europa.
Should Rossi be unable to meet the requirement of two negative PCR test results needed to be allowed to take part in this weekend‘s GP event, the American will substitute for Rossi. Rossi‘s last PCR test, done on Tuesday 3rd November, came back with a positive result for Covid-19.
Nevertheless, today (Wednesday 4th November) the Italian will undergo a new test. Should he test negative, he will still have enough time to complete the required second PCR test and fly to Valencia. Should Rossi be deemed 'unfit' to ride in Valencia, Gerloff will be backed by the nine-time World Champion's usual crew for his very first riding experience aboard a YZR-M1.
Just when I thought 2020 couldn’t get any crazier... ???? https://t.co/tUOpg1n6tA
— Garrett Gerloff (@garrettgerloff) November 4, 2020
Garrett Gerloff: "I'm so honoured that Yamaha has considered me for this opportunity. This year has already been quite the adventure, and this would be the cherry on top. It‘s been a dream of mine to ride the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike since I started racing so many years ago, and to potentially have it happen is really exciting. But I am just sorry to get this opportunity under these unfortunate circumstances for Valentino.
"I feel really bad for him and I hope that he recovers soon, we all miss the number 46 on track! All the best to him. If I do end up riding this weekend, it will be an uphill battle not knowing the bike, tyres, brakes, etc. Also, I have never been to the Valencia track before. But I‘m confident in myself and ready for the challenge! Thanks to all at Yamaha. Bring it on!"