Yamaha continues to fully exploit its concessions to narrow the gap with European manufacturers. As well as looking to add a customer team, the Japanese are maximizing the benefits of the new rules by intensely testing their engines. Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will receive a new engine this weekend at Assen, raising high hopes.
« We had a great day of testing in Valencia, where we tested a lot of things. Especially, we tested a very efficient engine, " said Kidneys with enthusiasm. Although Quarterly kept the secret, Kidneys revealed that there would be one new engine per driver. “ We only have one per pilot. The other motorcycle will be equipped with the standard engine. We will thus be able to carry out a good comparison test. » Thanks to their concession status, Yamaha et Honda can update their engines at any time, unlike other manufacturers.
fabio quartararo gave details on the characteristics of the new engine: “ it's more about maneuverability and cornering. In the past it was much easier. At Mugello and Jerez, I struggled physically. With this engine, agility and cornering are significantly improved." Yamaha remains the only manufacturer MotoGP to use an inline engine rather than a V4, providing drivability advantages, although these advantages have diminished in recent months.
Kidneys also noticed this improvement: “ I never had the opportunity to ride the old Yamahas, but with this new engine, it seems to be going in that direction, with more power for straight lines. It was better in the turns, which is one of our biggest problems right now."
Fabio Quartararo and the new Yamaha engine: “ of course it doesn't make a huge difference, but I expect us to be faster »
Kidneys welcomes the efforts of Yamaha : " It’s incredible how much work Yamaha is putting into this project. Pilots and engineers even work weekends to prepare everything. Some new parts arrived today. » The testing program will continue, aimed at further strengthening performance.
For the moment, Yamaha progresses step by step, hoping to see the results in Assen. “ Of course it doesn't make a huge difference, but I expect us to be faster,” says Quarterly. The characteristics of the new engine should help during the numerous changes of direction and the famous chicane before the finish.
However, testing is no substitute for real racing. “ We found a few tenths in Valencia, but it's difficult to judge if it's really better, " admits Kidneys. " The real test will only take place tomorrow and this weekend. Real feedback, I will only be able to give it on Sunday after the race. » Hopefully both drivers will not be pushed to their physical limits again.
