To judge the level of a MotoGP, we must wait for the verdict of the competition and, at Yamaha as elsewhere, we can only refer for the moment to the relative indications given by the last off-season tests. As for the M1, the Iwata engineers undoubtedly gave their driver Fabio Quartararo what he clamored for: a good top speed. Indeed, in Qatar, the Yamaha led in this area with an average of 347,9 km/h in its five fastest measurements. And yet, the time sheets delivered by the tracks during the winter testing period showed Quartararo finishing eleventh at Sepang and 14th in Qatar while his new teammate Alex Rins was 15th and 16th. Inevitably, questions arise.
It seems that the current situation of Yamaha in MotoGP is complex and raises questions about the direction of motorcycle development, as well as the role of Fabio Quartararo as a driver and contributor to the development of the machine.
Indeed, Yamaha responded to the Frenchman's demands for engine power, leading to more competitive top speeds. However, the improvement in power has not necessarily led to improved lap times, partly due to a lack of traction on the rear wheel, as the 2021 MotoGP World Champion pointed out.
Furthermore, there has always been a divergence between the priorities of fabio quartararo as a pilot and feedback from other pilots Yamaha in terms of development. Although Quarterly initially dismissed the importance of grip, its recent performances suggest it now recognizes its impact on lap times. “ Grip is our biggest problem. Improving it is our main goal for this season » he commented on the evening of the last Losail test.
A position reminiscent of that ofAndrea Dovizioso when he was still in office at Yamaha, and yet at the time, two years ago, the tricolor did not validate this priority. The site motorsport magazine mentions Fabio Quartararo's comments as a response to Dovi's arguments: “ grip is engine power! For me it is very clear and if I am asked 20 more times, my answer will always be the same ».
Should Yamaha learn the Honda lesson from Marc Marquez with Fabio Quartararo?
During this offseason, he also responded to Cal Crutchlow, the test pilot Yamaha , which has the same sensitivity as Dovisioso : " we all know Cal can be a little difficult sometimes. I certainly understand his approach and I know what he means, but I also think he doesn't really understand what our problem is ».
This observation remains on the eve of the 2024 MotoGP season: Yamaha gave to fabio quartararo an M1 which now asserts itself among the best top speeds. But it still remains at the bottom of the rankings. A situation that raises broader questions about the role of riders in the development of racing motorcycles. Although talented pilots like Quarterly can mask a bike's weaknesses with their skill, they may also be less sensitive to underlying technical problems. Paradoxically, less talented riders can provide more valuable feedback because they are more likely to encounter the bike's limitations and highlight its weaknesses.
The situation has an air of déjà vu. We are of course thinking of the case of Marc Marquez in Honda. And this echoes the voices in the HRC camp which criticize, at least partially, Marc Marquez the failure of recent years. Yet it was he who brought six titles to the Tokyo firm. And it's good Quarterly who won the first MotoGP title of Yamaha in 2021 after a five-year drought. The Frenchman is also the author of the last nine victories Yamaha in the premier category. It seems like Yamaha must balance rider feedback and development priorities to maximize the performance of his machine in MotoGP. A dilemma that is not insurmountable. look Ducati.
