American WorldSBK star Garrett Gerloff is on standby at the Valencia MotoGP round in case Valentino Rossi fails his Covid19 test.
The GRT Yamaha rider will get to make his MotoGP debut if Rossi can’t compete and will have all of The Doctor’s crew available.
“Following the two Grand Prix weekends in Aragon in October, where Maverick Viñales performed as the sole Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider, the team is pleased to announce it has added GRT Yamaha WorldSBK rider Garrett Gerloff to its potential rider line-up for the Gran Premio de Europa,” said a team statement.
“Should Rossi be unable to meet the requirement of two negative PCR test results needed to be allowed to take part in this weekend’s GP event, the American will substitute for Rossi.
“Rossi’s last PCR test, done on Tuesday 3rd November, came back with a positive result for Covid-19.
“Nevertheless, today (Wednesday 4th November) the Italian will undergo a new test. Should he test negative, he will still have enough time to complete the required second PCR test and fly to Valencia.
“Should Rossi be deemed ‘unfit’ to ride in Valencia, Gerloff will be backed by the number-46 rider’s usual crew for his very first riding experience aboard a YZR-M1.”
Gerloff's selection over test rider Jorge Lorenzo is a substantial pointer that the Spaniard is Aprilia bound for 2021.
