Believe it or not, the crazy 2020 MotoGP season just got a bit crazier with the news this morning that two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Garrett Gerloff may get the chance to race Valentino Rossi’s Monster Energy Yamaha M1 in the Gran Premio de Europa this weekend in Valencia, Spain.
Rossi, who tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the last two races in Aragon, failed his last PCR test yesterday and needs two negative test results in order to race this weekend. Rossi will undergo a second test today.
“I’m honored that Yamaha has considered me for this opportunity,” Gerloff said in a Yamaha press release. “But I am just sorry to get this opportunity under these unfortunate circumstances for Valentino. I hope that he recovers soon. We all miss him at the track. 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. If I do end up riding this weekend, it will be an uphill battle not knowing the bike, tires, 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!”
Gerloff had a strong finish to his first season of World Superbike racing for the GRT Yamaha team, earning three podium finishes and finishing 11th in the World Superbike Championship.
