Yamaha has faced significant challenges in MotoGP in recent years, particularly in terms of power. This drawback has resulted in the decline of the team’s position in the pecking order. As part of an effort to address this issue, Yamaha collaborated with former Ferrari F1 engine chief Marmorini for improvements, although the focus was primarily on the 2024 season. During the post-San Marino Grand Prix test at Misano, 2021 MotoGP champion Quartararo had the opportunity to test the new engine.
The performance of the new engine left Quartararo disappointed. While he finished sixth overall on the timesheets, he struggled to match the speed of the fastest Ducati through the speed traps, lagging behind by approximately 5km/h. When questioned about his impressions, Quartararo expressed his disappointment and stated that he had expected better results from the test. He mentioned that the feeling of the engine was different but not in a positive way. Despite initial hopes, Quartararo found it difficult to provide any favorable feedback on the engine.
When reflecting on his experience testing the 2023 engine one year ago, Quartararo’s demeanor was much more positive. He believed that the engine showed promise at that time. However, during the recent test, Quartararo did not have the same feelings of improvement. This contrast highlights the challenges faced by Yamaha in achieving consistent progress.
Quartararo emphasized the need for power throughout the rev range for the Yamaha engine. However, he also acknowledged the difficulties of interpreting the test results due to various factors, such as the track’s grip levels and their impact on the M1. According to Quartararo, the Yamaha bike’s performance is greatly affected by the track’s grip, and its pace significantly improves when there is high grip. He revealed that he was able to achieve a lap time of 1m31.4s during the test, which was similar to his qualifying lap time from the previous weekend. While other bikes might have a faster pace, the gap between Yamaha and its rivals narrows when there is low grip.
Quartararo believes that Yamaha made a mistake in the past by not adequately addressing the issue of grip and rubber on the track. He explained that during previous races, the Yamaha bikes tended to leave a significant amount of rubber on the track, resulting in reduced control and increased sliding. However, during the test, Quartararo could fully open the throttle without worrying about the bike’s performance, as the grip levels were significantly higher. He also noted that this improved performance during the test might not accurately reflect the challenges experienced in an actual race.
Yamaha’s struggles in MotoGP, particularly in terms of power, are evident. The collaboration with former Ferrari F1 engine chief Marmorini was expected to provide improvements for the team, but the recent test results failed to meet expectations. While Quartararo expressed disappointment, he also acknowledged the complexities of interpreting the test data due to factors such as grip levels on the track. Yamaha’s focus on addressing grip issues and optimizing the bike’s performance in varying conditions is crucial for overcoming these challenges and regaining their competitive edge in MotoGP.
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