Despite promising testing in mid-May and an encouraging test day on Friday, the Mugello weekend was a real test for Yamaha. Only one point was collected, thanks to Alex Rins who finished fifteenth in the main race. Fabio Quartararo, for his part, could not do better than eighteenth on Sunday, without managing to compensate for the fall he suffered during Saturday's Sprint caused by Miguel Oliveira.
The French driver had to deal with more than just the M1's lack of competitiveness. A physical problem also hampered his performance in Tuscany: “ it was a very difficult race, especially from a physical point of view. I had a problem with my arm and I couldn't ride well in the last ten laps. It's not an arm problem per se, it's just that my arm reaches its limits on this type of track. It's a shame we weren't quick; we expected better from this race. We struggle when the grip is low, and we hope to find a solution to make the bike easier to ride »
La Yamaha has become a particularly physically demanding motorcycle, especially on certain circuits, thus creating problems for the riders. Rediscover the maneuverability that characterized the M1 a few years ago by MotoGP is crucial. The new aerodynamic package approved in Barcelona is not a sufficient solution, although Fabio and Alex have made positive comments.
Yamaha will be in Valencia next week with Quartararo and Rins
To try to resolve these problems, Monday's tests, still at Mugello, were eagerly awaited. Unfortunately, the rain completely disrupted the plans of Iwata's team and the other teams present. A real disappointment for Quarterly et Kidneys, who hoped to take advantage of this day to improve the situation. Mastery of corners, once a strong point of the M1, must become a priority again. Improving the engine's straight-line competitiveness is not enough; clear adjustments are needed. With little grip, drivers struggle enormously.
The team manager, Massimo 'Maio' Meregalli, has already announced that Yamaha would carry out private tests at Valencia next week, the 11 and 12 June. Hoping that the weather doesn't play any tricks this time, it will be another opportunity to improve the M1. Quarterly et Kidneys will be present, while the tester Cal Crutchlow will remain absent due to a physical problem which has already prevented him from racing as a wild card at Mugello.
