With Valentino Rossi out of action for at least four months after breaking his right leg during Saturday morning practice at the Mugello, the big question going around (even silly season has been put on hold) is who is going to replace the reigning world champion in Yamaha.
Both Lin Jarvis and Davide Brivio insist that the team is in no hurry to replace Rossi, infact Yamaha will be going solo with Jorge Lorenzo for both the British and Dutch GP’s, but contract wise they will have to have someone in place by July 4th for the Catalunya GP.
Here are some of the names being bantered around as Rossi’s replacement rider: Colin Edwards.
The American would be the most obvious choice because he’s already riding a Yamaha M1, albeit a satellite bike and has already rode a factory bike alongside Rossi and knows how Rossi’s side of the garage works.
This would leave an open seat at Tech 3 that could be given to former Tech3 rider James Toseland who spent two years in MotoGP before returning to WSBK this year in Sterilgarda Yamaha.
Ben Spies.
Despite have 3 AMA Championship titles, 1 WSBK title and 3 MotoGP wildcard rides in 2008, 1 in 2009 and 4 races under his belt this year, the Texas Terror is under the ridiculous 2010 Rookie Rule, a rookie, therefore not eligible to ride a factory bike unless Yamaha can get Dorna and FIM to waiver the rule.
Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport has come up with Sterilgarda’s Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow, but the Brit has no experience on a MotoGP bike and with only 3 and half hours to get used to a new track, carbon brakes, grippy Bridgestone tires and all the nuances that goes into riding a prototype bike, could prove a bit much for Crutchlow.
MotoGP commentator Julian Ryder has come up with Yuki Takahashi, who is currently riding for Herve Poncharal in Moto2.
Last year Takahashi rode in MotoGP for Scot Honda and after seven races (with 3 DNF’s) was dumped for sponsor rich Gabor Talmacsi.
Alex De Angelis.
The Sammarinese was also mentioned as Rossi ’s replacement, but has already publically denied the rumour, adding that he’s not interested and has no intention of leaving Team Scot, however briefly.
Garry McCoy.
The King of Slide has parted ways with FB Corse, and he’s everyone’s favourite, but it’s been ages since he’s swung a leg over a MotoGP bike.
Or Yamaha may just bring in one of its test riders and wing it till Rossi get’s back.