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Why Yamaha won't have a Hulkenberg moment with Lorenzo

OPINION: In Valentino Rossi's enforced absence from the factory Yamaha, test rider Jorge Lorenzo should be a natural replacement. But where Nico Hulkenberg has shone when jumping into the deep end, some key factors suggest Lorenzo might struggle

Lewis Duncan Oct 16, 2020, 3:49 PM

COVID-19 has hung over the world like a shroud of misery this year, and no matter how many precautions are taken, MotoGP sadly isn't shielded from it casting its gaze upon the paddock. On Thursday, having felt unwell at home in Italy, nine-time grand prix world champion Valentino Rossi became the first premier class rider to test positive for the virus and will miss this weekend's Aragon Grand Prix.

Rossi admitted on his social media accounts on Thursday evening that next weekend's Teruel GP at Aragon is likely a "no go" for him. This comes a week after six Yamaha team members were forced to self-isolate in Andorra after one member was hit by the virus, while Moto2 rider Jorge Martin was forced out of the Misano double-header last month after testing positive.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.