The Barcelona test offered an encouraging first glimpse of the progress made by Yamaha for the 2025 season. Iwata's engineers seem to have found the right paths to improve the performance of their bike, suggesting a return to form for the tuning fork brand, which will nevertheless have to be confirmed at the back-to-school test in Sepang.
The 2025 MotoGP season has kicked off with the barcelona trials, where the teams unveiled their first technological innovations. Ducati et Aprilia have carried out comprehensive tests with their new machines, while Yamaha took a more discreet approach, focusing on testing specific parts without any apparent revolution.
Yamaha riders fabio quartararo et alex rins each had three bikes in their respective boxes, but visible updates were limited. Pramac Yamaha, the new customer team, had to make do with the standard 2024 models.
Despite this apparent restraint, the Barcelona test delivered promising results. Quarterly posted the second fastest time, just 0,396 seconds behindAlex Marquez on the Ducati GP24. Kidneys, for his part, finished eighth, 0,765 seconds off the best time.
« The three components we primarily wanted to evaluate here – the chassis, aerodynamics and engine – all gave us positive feedback." , said Massimo Meregalli, team boss Yamaha , in an interview with MotoGP.com. Not only did our drivers have a better feeling, but it was also reflected in the results. We exceeded our expectations in this test"
Yamaha saves major innovations for Sepang
fabio quartararo was optimistic: " We tried a few things and set a faster time than in qualifying, even without trying to chase the clock. I think we are on the right track now. Biggest updates coming to Malaysia. I hope they will make us even faster."
Unlike its rivals, Yamaha keeps its major innovations for Sepang, where the brand will benefit from six days of full testing thanks to the concessions' payment. The drivers are hoping for significant progress, particularly on the weak points identified.
Kidneys was direct: “ Yamaha needs to improve braking, cornering, engine performance and electronics. From what they say I expect a big change in the next test. But I can't tell you what it is." Fabio Quartararo added : " power and grip. We are far behind, especially in grip. Santa Claus has already brought us some power, but we still need more"
Si Yamaha If the Japanese team manages to meet these challenges, 2025 could well be the year of renewal on the scene for the Japanese team. MotoGP. The fact remains that in Malaysia, at a Shakedown from January 31 to February 2 where closed doors will be required, it is expected that Yamaha is taking his machine, equipped with his new V4, which is still under development, out on the track for the first time.
