After a generally positive test session in Sepang, the factory Yamaha team experienced difficulties during the following tests in Thailand. This situation is quite complicated to estimate from the outside, and here are the detailed explanations from team manager Massimo Meregalli in order to better understand the ins and outs.
“In Buriram, some of the limitations we experienced last year resurfaced – explains Meregalli – but this time both drivers complained about different things and this forced us to work in two different directions.
« Valentino is very happy with the way the new bike rides but it suffered in terms of electronics. Vinales, for his part, was not able to stop the motorcycle or make it turn as he wanted. Both, however, are happy with the new engine and the top speed it guarantees.
“In Malaysia we managed to perform well even with worn tires, but in Buriram we had a lot of problems with the tires. It was a problem many had, but we seemed to suffer more. We improved though and on the final day we were able to complete the race distance on the softer tire, which would have been impossible when we started the test.
“We had some problems we didn't expect. Looking at the layout of the Buriram track, we thought we would go to a track that would suit our bike better.
“The three factors of M1, tires and asphalt definitely mean that we have a smaller range of tires compared to our competitors. »
People are wondering if you can't just copy on Zarco?
“It’s normal for people to see it like that from the outside. His bike and that of the factory team are very similar at the moment, the biggest difference is that we have the next evolution of the engine. »
So why is it so fast?
“I hope to be able to answer it after the Qatar test (laugh). At this point I think we need to work on the electronics. Last year I had some doubts, but now that the M1 used by Zarco is 90% the same as ours, it's certain. Valentino already told us after the Argentine GP that we needed to develop it »
Zarco uses different electronics than yours?
“No, the base is the same but each runner calibrates it according to their needs. »
Rossi pushes for electronics, Vinales for chassis – which direction are you going?
“We can go either way. Already last year we carried out development in two different directions as much as possible and we can do the same now.
So Rossi could race with the 2018 frame and Vinales with the 2017 version for example?
“Yes, but in this case the force is spread thin because we will have to work on two different projects. But if the drivers have different requests, we are ready to do it. »
Next Sunday, the tests concluded, what needs to happen for you to be happy?
“I want to understand what the problem is. I don't just want to look at the fastest lap, I want to know the reason. For example: on the second day of testing in Buriram, Maverick was fast, in the top four, but I felt we didn't really know why he was up there. And then on the third day the problems appeared. »
“I go to Qatar with some concerns, but it may also be that on a different track, with different temperatures and asphalt, the problems will disappear. »
Are you optimistic?
“Three years ago, after the Qatar test, everyone said that the M1 project was finished and a revolution was needed. What happened that year? We won the title.”
Photos © Yamaha and Tech 3
Source: Matteo Aglio for Gpone.com
