With all due respect, (as you are not alone in this sentiment that Yamaha is protecting their investments) but are you perhaps forgetting this is a competition and not some highschool break-up? Rossi is becoming the competition now, and it would benefit Yamaha to keep him at bay as long as possible, otherwise, their move to keep Lorenzo looses value. Rossi is not being booted out, as they made him a fair offer, there are two sides to every story, though it seems for some Rossi fans its always just one sided. Put yourself in the very high stakes pressure packed shoes of Yamaha, and ask yourself, what is in your best interest? I'm sure its not all about the lack of professionalism that was shown by the Ducati CEO to ejaculate prematurely, as this was only reported as a possible repercussion by some journalist that it would have some effect on whether or not Rossi would be allowed to test the Duc at season end. Let me ask you this, did Rossi accept the terms of his contract? Did he cash the checks? So now why are people having a fit if Yamaha asks him to honor that contract? I suppose you might tell me that Yamaha has benefited greatly from Rossi, but is the reverse not also true? Did not Yamaha invest and develop and produce a winning combination to support Rossi's talent? Who usually gets the credit for the titles? Certainly not Yamaha, yet they are the one providing the package.
This same logic goes for those who are unhappy that Rossi was not allowed to test the new bike. Really, its not even debatable, its silly actually to give the reasons why this makes sense, so I've stayed away from arguing it. But please, the 2011 bike is the manufacture's next weapon to compete, and people want the rival to get a look at it? In what world does this make sense?
And lastly, this idea that Rossi is not being properly supported now that his contract choice is "official", even to the point of one suggesting his bike is actually a Tech3 spec bike in disguise (hahahaha, geez, how ridiculous). My take is, he (Rossi) should be given the best chance to compete, but in the world of championships, the reality is Lorenzo is the focus, as he should. What Rossi fan here would have endorsed the idea that Lorenzo should have burned up resources last year while Rossi was in the hunt for the title? Its a very tricky balancing act for Yamaha, but I think they have and will continue to support Rossi enough to allow him to compete for wins, as Lorenzo's points are not in jeopardy. That a certain sector of Rossi fans think otherwise (when he doesn't win may be quick to place the blame on Yamaha rather than the man) is another story. Oddly enough, I've been hearing for many years now how he can ride around problems...I guess it only applies conveniently. Kinda reminds me of when this "mundalito" will start, like perhaps once he wins, conveniently (as if true fans of the sport need some alternate reason to maintain interest in MotoGP). But if he doesn't win another race this season, well that type of fan has already found his excuse/rationalization--"ugly Yamaha". Sadly, this type of fan (and Sarita, I'm NOT talking about you here, simply your post was a good springboard, as your post echos some of the sentiment of a certain type of fan that I've become accustomed to debate) and continues to do Rossi a disservice, especially for those of us who admire the sport and the best riders such as Rossi.
