MotoGP: Yamaha confirm Garrett Gerloff as standby replacement for Valentino Rossi

If Valentino Rossi once again fails the two required PCR tests to race this weekend, Garrett Gerloff will step in.

Before the Aragon round this season, Valentino Rossi tested positive for COVID-19, meaning he was unable to race at either of the Aragon races and was not replaced for these races.

Yamaha have confirmed that American Garrett Gerloff will be on standby to replace Rossi if he is unable to race. Gerloff made the step over to WorldSBK in 2020 with the GRT Yamaha team from the MotoAmerica championship. He instantly impressed, taking consistent results and scored two podiums in his rookie season.

Gerloff will ride the Yamaha M1 for the first time with Valentino Rossi’s normal race crew and will be flying the flag for the USA.

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!”

Featured image – www.worldsbk.com