Petronas Yamaha has just brought on 25-year old Garrett Gerloff for his official MotoGP debut at Assen this weekend – and the American rider is ready to rip up the asphalt.
According to a report by MCN, Gerloff is set to succeed Franco Morbidelli after an existing knee injury – acquired at Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Training Ranch – caused problems that were further aggravated at the Catalan Grand Prix.
Unfortunately, the aggravated injury will also keep Morbidelli from competing in the Dutch TT.
“I’m excited for the opportunity ahead, I’m not someone who runs away from a challenge, so I’m ready to get to the track,” Gerloff has said in a statement. “It’ll be a new circuit for me, I like trying new tracks, it looks fun, fast and flowing, and really suits my riding style. I’m looking forward to jumping on the Yamaha M1 again and twisting the throttle.”
Gerloff has already tucked three podiums under his proverbial belt from his debut WSB campaign last year – and with his current standing at sixth overall in WSB standings, the young racer is eager to continue in his successes.
“We’ll see how things go, but I feel good and would like to thank Yamaha and the team for considering me. It won’t be easy, but I’m going to give it my best shot!”
Should Rossi decide to retire, there is potential that Gerloff could have a shot at a potential position at the Petronas Yamaha team next season.
Fingers crossed for the weekend, and stay tuned here at MotorbikeWriter for more MotoGP-related updates!