Independent Teams Criticize Rule Changes

The independent team, which is the third representative for Yamaha on the grid, complained about the indirect notification of rule changes to independent teams and the lack of sufficient support. Team principal Sandro Carusi stated that if the manufacturer did not provide a concrete vision, they would evaluate different options for the upcoming season.

The Illogic of Continuing Without Yamaha Support

Team principal Carusi expressed that they are directly affected by Yamaha's current difficult situation and stated that they could not receive sufficient feedback from official channels. Carusi emphasized that the team is facing increasing difficulties, and while they are hopeful for the future, they are skeptical that major upsets or miracles might occur.

Carusi outlined the points where continuing the project is illogical:

In their words

Yamaha is going through a difficult time, and since we are the third team, we are facing more difficulties. We hope for a miracle or a breakthrough that might reach us, and we are counting on it. We are waiting. However, I am skeptical that major upsets or miracles might occur between now and the end of the year. We are making small updates internally, but the level is unreasonably high.

The team stated that the lack of support is critical for the project and that Yamaha is not showing sufficient interest. Carusi expressed that they are obliged to protect their resources to keep the project afloat under the current circumstances.

In their words

Let me be honest: I struggled this year already. We are struggling because some things that should have gone a certain way from the beginning of the year did not. If you noticed, we haven't done any testing, and this is completely normal. In my opinion, if things remain like this, there is no real meaning in us staying here for me or for Yamaha. I am struggling to keep the project afloat, and Yamaha is not showing me sufficient interest or support. We can do without it for today. Let's wait until the end of the year, and we will evaluate then.

Rule Changes and Cost Increases

Carusi sharply criticized the non-sharing of rule changes with independent teams, highlighting technical cost increases. The team, emphasizing that management does not want these changes, stated that rule changes are being communicated indirectly to independent teams. They noted that attempts are being made to establish unity among independent teams, but their representatives have not yet received a response. No one has told them whether this is possible. They reiterated their interest in establishing a structure to receive information directly from the organization, rather than from Padok. Because rumors coming to my ears from Padok suggest that we will have to spend at least 60,000 euros on updating the motorcycle's braking system next year, plus additional consumables, and that tire and registration costs are expected to increase by another 20,000 euros due to the higher price of fuel. When I learn things this way, I feel like saying, 'Thank you very much.' Fortunately, I have other areas of interest and other work to do, so I can give up on this. There is another side to this.

Demand for Sponsorship and Vision

The team stated that economic and sporting obstacles are damaging sponsorship relationships, and they announced that they are organizing special events to retain current sponsors. Carusi questioned how a sponsor could explain that Yamaha is lagging behind while Ducati is investing more. He suggested that a sponsor might respond with, 'Don't worry, but am I not investing in the best?' He stressed that retaining current sponsors is necessary to reach the end of the year.

The team expressed that they demand a clear vision and support. Stating that a vision is something clear, they indicated that they do not want anything else. The team stated that they only demand material supply and a minimum profit margin to function, requesting that they handle everything else with their own means. However, they noted that the window for staying in Superbike is narrowing and that there is a significant feeling of disappointment.

Lack of Testing and the Importance of Vision

During meetings with Michelin distributor Taramasso, the team emphasized the importance of testing. In response to Taramasso's view that the risk of testing should be questioned if there is no vision, the team reiterated the importance of a vision.

Carusi recounted Tasso asking him, "Why haven't you done any testing?" In response, the team stated that the risk of testing should be questioned if there is no vision. In response to Tasso saying they could conduct Jerez tests, the team replied, "No, do not count me for Jerez unless we have a vision."

Evaluation of the Rider Personnel

Carusi shared his observations regarding the rider personnel, including representatives Bahattin Sofuoğlu and Mattia Rato. Carusi expressed great respect for Bahattin Sofuoğlu, stating that he views him like a son and that he has always been proud of him since 2020. He emphasized that Sofuoğlu is a very honest and serious professional, and that he is in the 300 category. He also noted that Bahattin suffers greatly from the weight of the number he carries this year and the absence of Toprak. Regarding Mattia Rato, he considered him a good boy and a serious person, but indicated that he might experience some physical problems because he is not accustomed to the category, and reminded that he rode the CBR600 last year, suggesting he needs to be physically prepared differently. The team stated that even without having this year's motorcycle, they are striving to give their maximum effort for the project.