The Linz may have beaten the drought of Honda’s MotoGP victory in Kota, but the former Suzuki rider continued to entrust the hierarchy of new parts and “seeking solitude” in the LCR.
So, although Yamaha has struggled this season, it’s still winning the race, but it’s likely that the chance to get full factory support will be “easy.”
Grand Prix winner and Dona’s pit lane reporter Simon Crafer said motogp.com“Yamaha isn’t in the best situation at the moment, but if Honda had made Alex feel like a factory rider despite being on the satellite team, it would have been a difficult decision.
“But from the outside, they didn’t do it. He looked lonely and close… I even venture to say that I was ignored by that satellite team, even after his victory.
“Then (another) manufacturer comes to you and says, ‘Do you want to be our factory rider?” and the decision is very easy. “You have to do that.
“I think both manufacturers will improve next year,” Claffer added.
“I think it’s an inspirational move by (Yamaha Racing Boss) Lingervis. My only concern is that Alex has gone through a lot with this injury and he struggled even before the injury.
“Yes, he won for Austin, but he basically went through what Joan Mir went through.
“It’s not easy to come back, but an injury, but he’s absolutely natural and he’s going back to a Suzuki-like bike.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”