Fabio Quartararo could soon benefit from a new engine specification on his Yamaha YZR-M1 before the end of the 2024 MotoGP season, but for this weekend's Thailand Grand Prix he will still have to contend with the top speed limits that have plagued Yamaha in recent races.
The Frenchman has always been efficient in Thailand, especially in 2019, when he fought an epic duel with Marc Marquez until the last bend. This year, despite the shortcomings of his machine in a straight line, Quarterly remains hopeful of achieving a good performance, especially in qualifying.
« I think that the track won't be so bad for us, especially on a tour. The goal is to be in Q2 tomorrow afternoon and achieve a good result He said.
One of the factors that could work in favor of Yamaha This weekend is the rear tire specification brought by Michelin . Designed to cope with the tropical heat and the many straight lines of the circuit Buriram, this tire could limit the performance of other motorcycles, thus providing an opportunity for Quarterly et Yamaha .
« This tire doesn't make a big difference to us, but I think for others it reduces their potential. We know that We lack grip and, above all, acceleration and top speed on this circuit. But there are other things we can try to manage to be fast. He explained.
Fabio Quartararo: “ We are changing a lot of things this year and we still have some things to test »
The Yamaha M1's top speed issues are well known, and fabio quartararo is currently using the slowest engine specification available, as it prefers it for its maneuverability, even if it puts it at a disadvantage in raw performance.
However, there is hope. Quarterly revealed that a new engine specification could arrive before the end of the season. This is my favorite, but it's also the slowest.. We are losing a lot of straight-line performance, and I think we will have a new engine before the end of the season with more top speed. ", did he declare.
Yamaha , thanks to the concessions it benefits from, can continue to improve its bike during the season without waiting until 2025. Quarterly indicated that Yamaha has already tested four different engines and as many chassis this season. " We are changing a lot of things this year, and I think the Valencia test will be very important. We still have some things to test, as well as the Shakedown. This will be crucial to take a step forward », he concluded on crash.net.
With the expected progress and testing days ahead, fabio quartararo et Yamaha hope to finish the season strong and prepare as well as possible for 2025.
