Dosoli: Independent title ‘a great achievement’ for Gerloff

Despite a tough second season, GRT Yamaha rider Garrett Gerloff secured the Independent riders’ title thanks to seventh overall in the WorldSBK standings.

The Amercian, who claimed two podiums in 2021 (Aragon and Donington Park), managed to hold off Ducati rookie Axel Bassani over the final two rounds. 

Bassani bettered Gerloff in four of the final five races, however, Gerloff’s early season form was enough to keep ahead by 18 points in the end. 

It was a season in which Gerloff had to overcome several difficult moments after contact with various riders affected his confidence in early race situations. 

But even though the former MotoAmerica rider didn’t make the step into a consistent top five contender than many anticipated, Motor Europe Yamaha Road Racing Manager, Andrea Dosoli, was happy with the 26 year-old’s efforts.

"I would like to congratulate Garrett [Gerloff] and the GRT Yamaha team on the Independent Riders’ and Teams’ titles," added Dosoli. 

"It has not been an easy season, but this is a great achievement that I’m sure they will build on for next year. 

"What a year also for Andrea [Locatelli], who was fourth in the overall standings in his first season, while he was also named top rookie. 

"This shows Yamaha’s step-up program is really working well and we’re excited for the future."

Gerloff also touched on securing the above-mentioned Independent title following the season finale in Mandalika, an achievement he felt was owed to the team. 

Gerloff said: "I’m really happy that I was able to keep it together I guess for the team. The team deserved something positive, so hopefully I was able to give that to them."

It goes without saying that Yamaha have enjoyed their most successful season in history after claiming world and domestic titles.

Yamaha secured their first MotoGP riders’ title since 2015 courtesy of Fabio Quartararo, a WorldSBK triple crown, and riders’ titles in BSB, MotoAmerica and JSB championships. 

There was even more success at WorldSSP level as Dominique Aegerter won the riders’ championship, while the Japanese manufacturer also secured an intermediate class triple crown. 

"Also, at the national level we have been very successful, winning BSB, MotoAmerica, JSB, and others, which shows how good the Yamaha R1 package is," said Dosoli. 

"It has not only been a fantastic year for Yamaha in WorldSBK, but also in WorldSSP where we won the title as a manufacturer, rider and team, so another Triple Crown for us there. 

"Congratulations to Dominique, Ten Kate Yamaha, and of course all the Yamaha teams who did such an excellent job."