Yamaha is working to increase the power of the YZR-M1 for the 2023 MotoGP season. But the feat won't be easy for the engineers.
Yamaha will be the only manufacturer to offer an in-line 4-cylinder engine during the next MotoGP season. The Japanese engineers, assisted by the new staff led by Luca Marmorini, are certain that this project still has potential to exploit. The aim is to satisfy the incessant demands of fabio quartararo, but adding power and acceleration to the YZR-M1 won't be enough. The objective is to regain the historic advantage in the corners where, until a year ago, he was still capable of making the difference.
With Suzuki GSX-RR leaving the starting gate, the Yamaha M1 will be the exception of MotoGP with an engine whose cylinders are arranged in line. The final version of the latest engine specification will arrive at Sepang, after last year's tests. Until the Irta tests at Misano, everything seemed to be going well, but Valencia, the Nice champion was not at all satisfied with the “boost”. In 2023, fabio quartararo et Franco Morbidelli will have to face an army of V4s, starting with the eight Ducati Desmosedici performing well in all technical areas.
Control remains Japanese, but, for the first time, Iwata's company is open to a partnership with the Italian staff orchestrated by Luca Marmorini. The engineer has consolidated experience at Ferrari and Toyota in Formula 1 and was responsible for the engine Aprilia in 2020, when transitioning to a 4° V90 design, taking care of various aspects. Kazutoshi Seki is the project manager of Yamaha and he is well aware that the 2023 MotoGP prototype will have to bring more power to the track. “ We have not yet fully exploited the potential of this engine for various reasons, such as the reliability of the engine, its character, he explained to MotoGP.com.
Yamaha's real problem is increasing performance without changing the character of the YZR-M1
Increasing power is not the real problem, increasing “top speed” is child's play. The real problem is increasing performance without changing the character of the YZR-M1. Each small modification must be optimized in a general technical context. “ We try to improve In all areas : engine, chassis, we also modified the aerodynamics ". The 2022 bike demonstrated greater riding difficulty according to feedback from all of its riders, including the test rider Cal Crutchlow. Reason why the veteran Andrea Dovizioso, Franco Morbidelli and the rookie Darryn binder have failed. “ It is very difficult to maintain the concept of the motorcycle, because our rivals have become very strong. We're trying to find a good balance, with a more powerful engine and a smoother ride ».
For the moment, the Italian-Japanese axis continues to follow the path of the 4-cylinder in-line, but a change of philosophy in the short or medium term cannot be ruled out. “ If we see that other engines give us greater advantages over the inline 4 then we will take it into consideration - highlighted Seki -. But I think we're heading in the right direction right now ". The first MotoGP test in February in Malaysia will perhaps provide the first answers. And fabio quartararo has accustomed us to maximum transparency…
