Yamaha responds to Honda statements

Yamaha has this morning responded to the recent press releases of HRC and Repsol.

Yesterday HRC vice-president, Shuhei Nakamoto, released a statement where it was once again alleged that Valentino Rossi had kicked Marc Marquez in the Malaysian Grand Prix and caused the Spaniard to crash. Yamaha immediately stated that Race Direction had not found evidence of a kick from Rossi.

With tensions running high in the MotoGP paddock ahead of this weekend’s season ending race in Valencia the Japanese manufacturer responded by saying:

“Yamaha would like to express its disagreement with the words that have been used to report on the incident between riders Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. Both press releases included words that accuse Valentino Rossi of kicking Marc Marquez‘s bike that is something not proven by the investigation of the Race Direction.

“We therefore reject the wording used in the said published statements that do not correspond with the findings of the Race Direction. Yamaha has no wish to enter into further discussion regarding this unfortunate affair and our desire is to conclude the 2015 MotoGP season in the best possible way.

“We go to Valencia with the clear intention of trying our best to win what we hope will be a memorable final race with all riders and teams competing in an exemplary sportsmanlike manner befitting the top category of motorcycle racing.”

The tit for tat that has surrounded the aftermath of Sepang has been particularly damaging to the sport. Making matters worse is that there is no end in sight with Dorna having taken the unprecedented step of cancelling Thursday’s press conference to bring all of the premier class riders and team managers together to air their grievances.