American WorldSBK rookie Garrett Gerloff will make his MotoGP debut at Valencia this weekend as Valentino Rossi has failed two Covid19 tests at home in Italy.

Rossi had hoped that today’s test would prove negative even though he took a PCR test yesterday, which came back positive. Today, Rossi underwent another test which also came back positive, so The Doctor remains in Tavullia.

Gerloff has never seen Valencia before but over the 2020 WorldSBK season, the Texan has proven to be a fast learner with podiums at Barcelona and Estoril, where he had also previously never ridden.

“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,” said Gerloff.

“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 have it happen is really exciting.

“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.

“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.”

It is believed that Gerloff was chosen over Toprak Razgatlioglu as the American is resident in Spain so has no travel issues, whereas Razgatlioglu lives in Turkey. The fact he is a Red Bull athlete also won't have helped.