Yamaha's MotoGP project manager, Takahiro Sumi, is aware of the difficulties his manufacturer is going through. But it seems that, for 2020, a step forward towards their resolutions is possible. “ The reason for our crisis is very simple: we could not win! We are going through the longest period without winning in our history... If we want to win it all, we have to be in good shape and everyone has to play their role correctly “, he said in an interview with PecinoGP in which he insists on two of his drivers…
Takahiro Sumi and all of its technical troops have identified the weaknesses of a Yamaha who was unable to negotiate the shift towards single electronic software. Added to this is an engine which no longer compares in top speed with its competitors, while the Michelin rear tire tends to suffer more on the M1 than elsewhere.
More Yamaha is being treated, and the first tests of the 2020 offseason were encouraging: “ I think we are learning and improving the use of the software. In the past, engine improvements paralleled system improvements. Now the limits are in the system. Perhaps we suffered more than others to understand it », Comments the Japanese.
« We struggle a lot in certain areas, and if we can't perform as we should, and the drivers complain. It's logic. » Sumi therefore understands the disappointment of its pilots. “ We couldn't figure out how to improve with the new software. But I must say that at that time, the most confusing situation for us was created by the change of tire supplier from Bridgestone to Michelin. It is difficult to separate the two problems, that of the software and that of the ECU… Maybe changing both elements in the same year was not the best decision… »
The project manager of the tuning fork firm explains that the problem of electronics predominates in the characteristics of the engine. “ Of course, riders always complain that the bike bounces and slides. Depending on the levels of control you have over the software, the problem levels are more or less important ", Explain Sumi.
As for Yamaha's specific electronics, Takahiro talks about Michele Gada : " he has a great knowledge of other ways of developing software, of certain tools of this software and of programming. Combining their skills with our knowledge creates synergy. It’s a great collaboration between YMC and a group of engineers in Italy. This collaboration allows us to create new ideas to improve. »
Finally, the project manager talks about fabio quartararo, the rookie of the year for the 2019 season, but above all the big surprise. “ Maybe at the start of the season no one expected what happened. His great performance was very positive for the whole of Yamaha. Having two fast riders like Fabio and Maverick, we were able to better understand the performance of our bike. This made our confidence in the bike grow. », insists the Japanese who thus identifies who for him are the two best drivers of the Japanese factory…
