GERLOFF TO SUB FOR INJURED MORBIDELLI

Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team has enlisted the services of Garrett Gerloff to fill in for the injured Franco Morbidelli for the Dutch TT at Assen.

Morbidelli, who was runner-up in last years MotoGP championship standings, was ruled out of taking part in this weekends MotoGP round after suffering an injury to his left knee during a training incident earlier this week.

“Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team can confirm that Franco Morbidelli will miss this weekend’s DutchGP due to an injury to his left knee sustained in training.” read a statement released by the team on Tuesday.

“The injury is sufficient to mean Franco will miss this weekend’s event and he is undergoing medical assessment to determine the best course of action for recovery.

“Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team wishes Franky a speedy recovery.”

In Morbidelli’s place, American Yamaha WSBK rider Gerloff will get the opportunity to make his MotoGP debut with the satellite Yamaha squad.

“Everyone has had to move very quickly after the news late yesterday that Franco would not be able to race this weekend and we give our thanks to Yamaha for facilitating this.” said Razlan Razali, SRT Team Principal.

“We’re very excited to welcome Garrett to the team this weekend and realise that it’s a tough task to come in at late notice but we are confident that he will be able to do a good job.

“We wish Franco all the best for his recovery and hope to welcome him back to the track after the summer break.”

It’s the second time the Gerloff has been called up to by a MotoGP squad. In 2020 the American narrowly missed out on making his debut with the factory Yamaha squad last year when he was on standby to fill in for Valentino Rossi during his COVID-19 recovery.

“I’m not someone who runs away from a challenge, so I’m ready to get to the track.” said Gerloff.

“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.

“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.”

MotoGP action at Assen gets underway this Friday.

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