At Yamaha , we finished the previous MotoGP season with doubts. But the 2019 offseason was like a revelation. The Japanese project manager was changed, some left the ship and others arrived, Viñales shook up his box and even changed his number. Result ? The times followed, the tests went well and the firm with three tuning forks is approaching the new campaign with brand new morale. What does the team manager confirm? Mayo Meregalli.
Yamaha is emerging from a two-year period of decadence that the Iwata brand assures is over. Let it be said, we are going to see the M1s again at the forefront and as candidates for not only victory, but also the title. A return to business that will still have to be confirmed by results. And why not this weekend, which will be the first Grand Prix of the season in Qatar?
Mayo Meregalli states: “ we had very positive tests, especially with Maverick, who was really very fast. The bike has evolved but without major new features. We now have better acceleration and we have also improved the engine braking, a specific request from Maverick. The latter has also created a pleasant environment with the newcomers in his box. However, we still cannot know the Honda's true potential, given the injuries to Marquez and Lorenzo. "
The Yamaha team manager continued: “ Valentino Rossi wasn't too fast, but I'm not worried because we know that on Sundays he always manages to stay at the front. His comments on the bike are the same as Maverick's though, although Vale complained primarily about the top speed and I think that is indeed our weak point. Yamaha always tries to make its riders happy, if Vale prefers something different we will try to make him comfortable. If the race was today, I would bet that Valentino would be in front "
MotoGP 2019 kicks off next weekend in Qatar!@ValeYellow46 is ready, are you?👊#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/dbj8x6jGM6
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) March 3, 2019
Mayo Meregalli ends on Tuttomoriweb : " Since Sumi's arrival, the philosophy has changed within the team and communication between technicians and drivers has improved. It was validated that it was not necessary to make a new motorcycle, but to improve the M1 to allow it to realize its full potential. Now there are more people in the box because the engineers who were previously in the shadows have been brought into the light, and that's a positive change"
It will be recalled that Yamaha has also attached a new satellite team with the Petronas banner within which we find the experienced Zeelenberg et Forked. Just like the fast pilots Morbidely et Quarterly, who amazed everyone during testing in Qatar.
