Yamaha wants 2011 decision by Brno

Looks like Ben is getting an upgrade.

Yamaha racing boss Lin Jarvis wants the team's 2011 line-up to be finalized by Brno next month, and confirmed that Ben Spies will replace Valentino Rossi if the Italian's anticipated Ducati switch happens.

Rossi is now considered certain to line up with Ducati next season after seven years at Yamaha, with the announcement of this move also predicted to take place during the Czech Grand Prix weekend.

Jorge Lorenzo is expected to remain at Yamaha, and Jarvis said talks were progressing with a view to a 2011 announcement at Brno.

"There is a proposal and I could define the negotiations to be at a good point," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We'd like to have everything in place by Brno, in order to announce the 2011 team."

He insisted Yamaha had yet to receive a definite reply from Rossi regarding its offer for next season, amid rumors that the Italian had turned to Ducati after disagreements with Yamaha over pay.

"We've put up an offer on which we are waiting for a reply," said Jarvis.

"I can't supply details on the negotiations. But we feel the offer to be absolutely acceptable; obviously this is our evaluation."

If Rossi leaves, Jarvis said Yamaha would look no further than factory-contracted Tech 3 rider and 2009 Superbike world champion Spies.

"Should one of our two riders leave, he would certainly be in the works team," said Jarvis. "We are convinced we'll have a winning team in 2011 too."

Jarvis also confirmed that current title sponsor Fiat could depart Yamaha with Rossi.

"It depends on Valentino's reply," said Jarvis of Fiat's future with Yamaha.

"We already have a contract with Petronas for 2011, their effort and their space on the bodywork could increase. And we are also in talks with other companies outside motorcycling.

"We are not worried, but this will be the third step. The team comes first."

I hope Rossi goes to Ducati, been waiting for years...since Ducati entered MotoGP to see the Doctor on Italian wheels.

Although I can't complain now having an Aussie on an Italian bike (I'm an Aussie with Italian background)...and my favourite number is 27!

For sure 2011 is looking interesting. Rossi finally going to Ducati, Stoner on a Honda together with Pedrosa. Lorenzo with the Ben on Yamaha should be great too.

I suppose it would be great if perhaps Aprilia also joined MotoGP. With Kawasaki gone and Suzuki going nowhere we need some fresh competition.

Rossi can't sign a contract until the Sunday evening of Bruno. So technically nothings is done.

It's my understanding that Yamaha doesn't really have a shot...but that won't stop them from throwing up a hail mary.

I will believe that Rossi is riding for Ducati on that Sunday Evening.

For sure. The downside to all this however is that Yamaha will be losing some major sponsors, and it seems that they will pull out of WSBK for next year. With Ducati not doing all that much over there right now, and probably also focusing on MotoGP with Rossi, there will not be much factory support left in WSBK. I suppose next year might be Aprilia vs BMW, with the old top players (Hond, Ducati and Yamaha) just having some privateer bikes with not much development.

I hate to see WSBK lose out to MotoGP.

Yamaha yesterday confirmed they would race WSBK 2011

Good news! Maybe they just need to get rid of JT and all will be well...

Henrik wrote:Good news! Maybe they just need to get rid of JT and all will be well...

Rumor has it he has an outside shot at keeping his ride. It looks like Yamaha was going to go after Johnny Rea for WSBK.

I could be wrong though.

I thought Honda would not want to let him go.

Henrik wrote:I thought Honda would not want to let him go.

I wouldn't want to let Johnny go either...but it was one of the rumors I heard....If Cal goes to Herve's team, that leaves two spots open for a fight.

Like I said, I could be wrong...but I already like Johnny Rea and would love to see him on the R1...if JT whines and gets to stay so he can finish mid-pack, Johnny Rea humiliating him would be fine with me

Shame the Kwakas are gone, always like seeing the frog green adding colour to the field!

So Ducati have now confirmed that they are pulling out of WSBK. That sucks, and is probably a clear indication that WSBK is losing its interest. With Ducati gone, chances are that other sponsors might pull out too.