The newly-formed RNF team looks humbly at its final season as Petronas-Yamaha: Razlan Razali classifies MotoGP season with Valentino Rossi as a defeat
The Petronas-Yamaha team caused a few surprises in 2019 and 2020. The signing of Fabio Quartararo was met with critical comment, but led to better results than those involved could have dreamed of beforehand
The private Yamaha team took a total of six victories in the 2020 season and made the factory team look old. But team boss Razlan Razali has fond memories of the 2021 season.
“There is no guarantee of always winning. We have had successes and defeats. When I say defeats, I mean really bad defeats. Last year we experienced a big defeat,” explained the team principal of the former Petronas team.
“From fifth in the 2019 season to second in the 2020 season, it was all about the last two places for us last year,” he recalls of the 2021 MotoGP season, in which Valentino Rossi only finished World Championship 18th despite factory Yamaha equipment.
The great expectations for Valentino Rossi were not met
“It humbled us because we know what it is like to experience a bitter defeat. But that’s the way it is in sport. Sometimes you work with a rider you expect more from,” Razlan Razali hints at the disappointing collaboration with Valentino Rossi.
Teammate Franco Morbidelli also had a disappointing start to the 2021 season. As runner-up in the 2020 season, Morbidelli was one of the favourites, but with the 2019 Yamaha the Italian had no chance against the factory riders with their 2021 machines.
“The material is also an important point,” notes Razlan Razali. “With the same bike, Franco could have repeated his successes, we think. But it didn’t work. We have to move on, regroup and set new goals. “
The RNF team wants to return to the old philosophy
This year RNF-Yamaha is sending two new riders to the start. Andrea Dovizioso takes over the role of team leader and is expected to fight for the World Championship title (what RNF expects from “Dovi”). Darryn Binder came straight from Moto3 to MotoGP. RNF expects Binder to duel with the other rookies for the “Rookie of the Year” title.
In the long term, the RNF team is expected to become a training ground for young riders, continuing the original philosophy of the former Petronas team. There are already rumours linking Raul Fernandez to the RNF team.
“At the moment I’m not thinking about anything else but the upcoming season. So far, no wheel has turned,” Razlan Razali responds when asked if Raul Fernandez could be a potential candidate in 2023.
“But we follow the philosophy of building young riders and turning them into potential world champions, which was the case with Fabio. That continues to be our philosophy. But this year we had to find a good balance of experience and youth,” said the RNF team boss.
