Valentino Rossi extends with Yamaha for 2 more years

[The Black Knight]

Yea, I'm surprised that nothing has been announced yet on Lorenzo's end as far as what but I have a hunch he may leave... we'll see soon enough I guess.

Rumor has it, an announcement by Indianapolis or Brno. I, think Brno is the cut off. Most current rider's usually have it in their contracts that they make decisions no later than a certain date in August. Least that's what was the deal with Crutchlow, and them saying he had til Brno to figure it out. You are right, Lorenzo is sure dragging his feet with this one.

Marquez was the surprise in that we all knew he would re-up but he did it so fast. Rossi, Pedro, Dovi and Crutchlow all were timed about normal in correlation with the past. Usually you don't see rider's this late in the game announcing anything unless it's a team signing brand new riders(i.e. Aprilia and Suzuki).

[rush4theyeho]

In regards to Lorenzo, I'm not sure him leaving Yamaha is the best. GP is swapping tires again, and I personally think that the bridgestones is the primary reason for his immense struggles this year. Rossi has commented how the tires haven't bothered him too much, as he prefers the heavy tire. While Honda has proven to be the bike to beat, Rossi's proved that the M1 is happy to hang. If there's a way for them to find an optimal setting, they're going to continue to be competitive. Lorenzo's sticking around with Yamaha only changes one factor: tires. Leaving and heading to aprilia/suzuki produces two factors: new tires and bike setup. I do agree with y'all though, this delay means that there's gotta be something going behind the curtains.

Who would possibly take the helm next to Rossi? The lorenzo/Rossi rivalry has been an immensely fun one to watch.

[The Black Knight]

In regards to Lorenzo, I'm not sure him leaving Yamaha is the best. GP is swapping tires again, and I personally think that the bridgestones is the primary reason for his immense struggles this year. Rossi has commented how the tires haven't bothered him too much, as he prefers the heavy tire. While Honda has proven to be the bike to beat, Rossi's proved that the M1 is happy to hang. If there's a way for them to find an optimal setting, they're going to continue to be competitive. Lorenzo's sticking around with Yamaha only changes one factor: tires. Leaving and heading to aprilia/suzuki produces two factors: new tires and bike setup. I do agree with y'all though, this delay means that there's gotta be something going behind the curtains.

Who would possibly take the helm next to Rossi? The lorenzo/Rossi rivalry has been an immensely fun one to watch.

From what I've read, if Lorenzo leaves. Pol Espargaro will step in. Something to the effect that if a Factory seat is vacated, then Pol will move up from Tech 3. Which if that were to happen, Lorenzo moves on. Pol moves up, then that would open a spot at Tech 3 for others who are hungry for a better factory backed ride.

[rush4theyeho]

Ah, that would make a lot of sense. He's on the cusp of success, I feel. Him and his brother both. Something about the actual race day where they can't hang with the Factory boys even though they put up blistering qualifying times.