Yamaha, one of the leading manufacturers in MotoGP, has been facing difficulties in matching the power of its rivals in recent years. This struggle has resulted in a decline in Yamaha’s position within the championship rankings. In an effort to overcome this challenge, Yamaha collaborated with former Ferrari F1 engine chief, Marmorini, for the 2023 season. The collaboration was aimed at improving Yamaha’s engine performance. However, during the post-San Marino Grand Prix test at Misano, Yamaha’s 2023 engine left the reigning MotoGP champion, Quartararo, underwhelmed.
Underwhelming Performance
Quartararo expressed his disappointment with the performance of the new engine, stating that he expected better results from the test. Despite finishing sixth overall on the timesheets, Quartararo’s Yamaha was significantly slower than the fastest Ducati through the speed traps. When asked about his impressions of the engine, Quartararo admitted that he couldn’t provide a comprehensive evaluation at that stage. He emphasized that he needed more testing to form a definitive opinion. However, he reiterated that he expected more power from the Yamaha engine, making it difficult to find positive aspects of its performance.
Comparing his experience with the 2023 engine in the previous test, Quartararo noted the difference in his perception. In the previous year’s test, he felt that the engine showed improvement, but this year, he failed to experience the same positive feelings. Quartararo’s observations suggest that the Yamaha engine’s performance might have regressed rather than progressed. This setback raises questions about Yamaha’s ability to deliver consistent advancements in engine technology.
The Need for Power and Grip
Quartararo stressed the importance of power throughout the rev range for the Yamaha engine. However, he also highlighted the impact of track conditions and grip on the performance of the Yamaha M1. When the track has high grip, Quartararo noted significant improvements in their pace. However, compared to their competitors, the gap narrows when track conditions are less favorable. This limitation suggests that Yamaha might have made errors in optimizing the engine for different grip levels, hindering their ability to compete effectively.
Quartararo pointed out a specific area where Yamaha struggled in the past and might still be facing challenges – adapting to changing track conditions. He mentioned how the Yamaha bikes seemed to struggle when there was a high level of grip on the track. The excessive spinning of the rear tire and the resulting loss of rubber on the track contributed to these difficulties. Quartararo drew attention to Turn 3, where the track surface had become black due to the tire rubber residue. In race conditions, this decreased grip and increased tire wear. However, in controlled testing conditions, riders could exploit the track’s high grip, resulting in performances that might not accurately reflect the engine’s capabilities in real-world racing scenarios.
The Performance Illusion
Quartararo pointed out that the performance observed during the test might not be an accurate representation of the Yamaha engine’s true potential. The unique testing conditions allowed riders to push the engine to its limits without some of the real-world constraints they encounter in race weekends. For example, riders could fully open the throttle without worrying about excessive sliding. This, in turn, produced faster lap times. However, in a race scenario, riders must exercise caution due to the increased sliding on the track. Therefore, Quartararo emphasized the need to analyze the engine’s performance within the context of actual race conditions.
Yamaha’s collaboration with Marmorini aimed to address the power deficit in their MotoGP engine. However, the recent test at Misano left Quartararo unimpressed, highlighting the challenges Yamaha continues to face. The engine’s lackluster performance, inability to adapt to changing track conditions, and the discrepancy between test and race scenarios raise concerns about Yamaha’s progress in overcoming their rivals’ power advantage. The implementation of effective strategies and thorough testing will be crucial for Yamaha’s future success in MotoGP.
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