Yoshikawa has been testing for the Japanese manufacturer for the past decade, but the last time he completed a MotoGP race was all that way back in 2002 (in the Pacific Grand Prix, where he finished 12th).
“That's atrocious. They're putting in people that haven't raced in... I don't know how long. Why have they done it? Give someone an opportunity, like they used to. Anyone is better than putting nobodies in there that are never going to do anything except finish the race - even be lucky to qualify,” argued the Australian champion after this weekend's race at Assen, according to Autosport.
“I'm sure somebody would be willing to die to get on that bike. Give someone an opportunity, that's all I can say,” added the Ducati rider.
Well, we're not sure about that last part, as Yamaha's team boss Lin Jarvis revealed, back when confirming Yoshikawa for the next 3 races, that he tried for several days to find a proper replacement for Rossi. Both Tech 3's Ben Spies and Yamaha's Superbike rider Cal Crutchlow decided against joining Yamaha's works team, which means not everyone is “willing to die” for that particular seat.
Last weekend, Rossi confirmed for the first time a potential return date for the 2010 MotoGP season, telling the media that he hopes to be on the competition bike at Brno, for the Czech GP. Which leaves Yoshikawa the races at Circuit De Catalunya, Sachsenring and Laguna Seca.
Google News