[kropotkin thinks...] - Only Four Yamahas On MotoGP Grid In 2010

[Ninjette Newsbot]

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Much has been said on the subject of the need for more machines on the MotoGP grid, but despite all the plans and hopes of the FIM and Dorna, the entry remains stubbornly close to the 18 bikes believed to be the minimum number guaranteed by Dorna as part of the deal with the FIM to organize the championship. Dorna has consistently pressured all of the manufacturers to provide more bikes, pressure which the manufacturers stubbornly continue to resist.

Recently, more hopeful noises had been emerging from the MotoGP paddock, with hints that Yamaha might be persuaded to up its involvement in MotoGP and put more bikes on the grid. The rumors gained some crediblity from the public pronouncements of Jorge Martinez of the Aspar team, who claimed that he would definitely be in MotoGP in 2010. Aspar has long been linked with the Yamaha team, an association that Martinez has hinted at previously.

Today, however, all such hopes were dashed. Fiat Yamaha Managing Director Lin Jarvis told the British weekly Motorcycle News that Yamaha would only be providing 4 bikes in MotoGP for the foreseeable future. Jarvis admitted that discussions had taken place with Aspar about a 5th bike, and also that Dorna had put pressure on them to provide more machines, but Yamaha declined the opportunity.

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