After the semi-confirmation of Valentino Rossi (see here), Yamaha was expected to bring a new carbon swingarm to the MotoGP private test taking place today and tomorrow in Misano.
And it was the case !
However, a rather rare occurrence in Italy, if the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli opened its stands to the public for financial compensation, the pit lane generally remained a work area for the teams, sheltered from the photographers' lenses.
So there are few or no documents showing the main developments tested by Yamaha today.
1/ The Iwata firm was supposed to first bring a second engine evolution after the somewhat disappointing one put on track at Brno, and, according to our first feedback, this one is much more convincing... even if the drivers in always ask for more!
Let us therefore hope that it allows Valentino Rossi, Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli to fight for victory at each Grand Prix, especially since nothing says that there will not be a 3rd evolution by the start of the 2020 season…
Valentino Rossi: “We tested the engine with the 2020 prototype, it was important to start working in Brno because we are taking small steps but we need more, the step forward is not as big as we need. We didn't focus on that all day, because in the afternoon we worked with the current bikes to prepare for the other races this year."
2/ The swinging arm made its appearance today. It appears similar to the aluminum one, except for the central recess serving as reinforcement which has disappeared. It has thermal protection at the exhaust level, which will make it easy to recognize in the future.
The interest of a carbon swingarm, already used by Ducati, Honda, Aprilia and KTM, seems to lie in the harmony between the engine and the tires, allowing the latter to be better preserved over the laps.
Valentino Rossi: “I finally tested it and I did well. I like a bike that is very stable at the rear and this swingarm helps. I will continue to use it tomorrow and if I like it I don't think we will have any trouble using it in the next races.”
3/ Today, Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi also tried a “Suzuki-style” dual exhaust, but this did not last over time, it is not obvious that Yamaha technicians are satisfied with this test.
4/ Finally, Valentino Rossi also tried front wheel flanges, a bit like Ducati but covering the rim at an angle of around 120° in front of the fork tubes. Our photographer unfortunately didn't have a quick enough finger on the shutter...
Testing will continue tomorrow.
Valentino Rossi: “Overall, a positive first day, also taking into account the times. I'm in the top 5 and close overall, so I'm happy, it was a good day in that regard too. I put on new tires and attacked, but unfortunately I braked too late and crashed. Nothing serious anyway, just a small fall. I think we will continue to work on our current bikes, to improve from the next race.”
© Photo Vinales: Moto.it
© Photo Rossi: MotoGP.com
