MotoGP Gossip: Capirossi makes prediction for Rossi's long-term replacement

Former rider Loris Capirossi believes Yamaha have a task on their hands trying to fill the boots of Valentino Rossi when he retires but believes Italy will provide the next star and Franco Morbidelli could be up to the challenge. The Italia said “Now I have to say that Italy is churning out many new young people, his academy is bringing so many guys who are growing a lot, Morbidelli, who won the World Championship last year, first of all, but it is still early to think about his successor, find a character as he was and as Valentino is not easy.” - Gazzette

Danilo Petrucci has claimed that Marc Marquez is a step above the rest of the riders in MotoGP as he can offer ’something more’. Petrucci said “Marquez has something more than the rest as a rider… Marquez will monopolise the championship in the coming years. He does not seem to have any fear of falling and hurting himself, or risking more than the bill." - Marca

Airbag suits will be a requirement for riders from the coming season onwards. Being previously announced in 2016, a recent statement from Dorna explains ’The airbag should cover and protect at least the shoulders and the collarbone. Full or central back protection is optional. However, if a manufacturer chooses to have back protection, it must cover the whole spine.' - Crash

Jorge Lorenzo believes he is a “better rider now than” two years ago. After a difficult season with Ducati, Jorge is hoping to compete for the title this year and said “I’m riding another bike with positive and negative things, and little by little I’m getting the most I can get with it, I think I have room to improve, but I’m still not completely comfortable, I can not drive in the natural way I would like." - AS