Rossi responds to Lorenzo, satellite Yamaha rumours

Valentino Rossi says if Jorge Lorenzo does move to a satellite Yamaha in 2019 it will provide a similar challenge to Johann Zarco at Tech3 this year, but the Italian wouldn’t be against the deal due to the benefits it could also provide.

Reports have emerged linking Lorenzo with a shock move back to Yamaha with a new-look satellite team - both Rossi and Maverick Vinales already signing contracts to remain at the factory squad until the end of 2020.

Lorenzo looks destined for the exit at current team Ducati and with factory options drying up, it appears the three-time MotoGP world champion could opt for a return to Yamaha as a safe bet to rediscover his pace.

Rumours have long named Marc VDS as most likely team to take over the satellite Yamaha supply - at least before the recent team troubles - following Tech 3’s confirmed move to KTM next season.

The latest rumours suggest that Monster, also a sponsor of Lorenzo, would stay on the M1s if they switch from Tech3 to Marc VDS but Lorenzo may have to accept a year-old bike, as is normal at Tech3.

Rossi jokingly dismissed any ideas he will have a say in Yamaha’s future satellite team and feels if Lorenzo is lined up for 2019 it will provide both challenges and opportunities.

“After I tried to stop Zarco, I will try to stop Lorenzo! I’m joking,” Rossi said in the Mugello Thursday press conference. “I was already with Jorge for a long time and he is a great, great rider and is able to ride the Yamaha very fast.

“I think it will be hard if Lorenzo comes back but the situation will be very similar to this year because we have Zarco who is very strong.

“When you are in Yamaha you always have a great teammate or a fast rider with the same bike. From that point of view it will be more difficult but it is also good because you have better motivation and you can see the way another rider rides the bike and try to learn and to improve.”

Vinales, who took over Lorenzo's seat after the Mallorcan chose to join Ducati, said:

"It would be interesting for Yamaha, because now he went to Ducati, he has more experience with other bikes, and maybe he can help.

"Lorenzo is a great rider. He's really good, he has a lot of potential, with the right bike he can win races. It's interesting for us also that he can try the new bike and he can give more comments as he was eight years in Yamaha before.

"Why not? It's another strong rider, another moment to increase the level and to be stronger."

Lorenzo has appeared as the biggest name on the grid without an obvious option for his MotoGP future if he is dumped by Ducati, but the Spanish rider confirmed in Mugello he will not leave the championship and will be able to clarify his future at the next round in Barcelona.