[kropotkin thinks...] - Japanese Test Rider Nakasuga To Replace Lorenzo At Sepang

[Ninjette Newsbot]

If you enjoyed reading this article, please click here to view it on Kropotkin's site, MotoGP Matters.

-----------------


Yamaha have announced that Jorge Lorenzo is to be replaced at the Sepang round of MotoGP, a decision that came when it became apparent that the 2010 World Champion would not be able to race in Malaysia. Lorenzo's replacement is to be Katsuyuki Nakasuga, a test rider for the Japanese factory and currently competiing the Japanese Superbike class, where his 3rd in the championship.

Two factors contributed to the decision to field a test rider. First and foremost, with Yamaha's World Superbike team disbanded now the 2011 WSBK season is at an end, and Yamaha Europe having pulled the plug on the team, Yamaha had no riders under contract capable of riding their M1 MotoGP machine. The obvious candidate would have been Marco Melandri, but Melandri was already under contract to BMW. World Supersport champion Chaz Davies would have been another option, as the Welshman has had experience on the Bridgestone tires, but Davies, too, is bound for another brand, to race a Ducati in World Superbikes for the ParkinGO team.

Secondly, and probably more importantly, a test is scheduled for Yamaha on the Monday following the MotoGP race. With Lorenzo missing, having a test rider - someone who already has experience of the 1000cc bike and has been working to develop the machine - to take his place was key to the decision.

read more