The MotoGP tests continue, with Yamaha struggling more than in Sepang: here are the riders’ feelings after the first day.
MotoGP has arrived at the Chang International Circuit for the last two days of testing before the official start of the season. All teams are focused on finding the best setup for their bikes, a crucial factor ahead of the first race weekend of the MotoGP World Championship, which will take place on this very track.
Yamaha, with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, continues to show significant progress in the development of the new M1. However, while the team was among the most competitive at the Sepang tests, during the first day of testing in Thailand, the Japanese team faced some unexpected difficulties (HERE the test report with the full classification).
Despite mid-grid positions, both riders seemed reasonably satisfied with the work done today at the Chang International Circuit. The main goal was to evaluate some parts of the bike and run as much as possible to gather a large amount of data. The race pace and the actual performance of the bike will be tested tomorrow, on the last available day before the season kicks off.
Here are the statements made by Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins on Yamaha’s official channels at the end of the first test session.
Fabio Quartararo’s words:
“Today I did a lot of laps, trying to push as much as possible. We’ll see if tomorrow, with better conditions, I’ll be able to ride the way I want. We tested some solutions that could turn out to be positive, but today I didn’t feel completely comfortable on the bike. I hope that tomorrow we’ll find something useful and get the tires to work in the right way for us. We’ve made some progress, but we’ve encountered some difficulties, especially with grip. Nevertheless, we’re in a good position, and the bike’s performance is encouraging.”
Alex Rins’ words:
“Today it was very hot, but it was a good day. We compared the parts we tested at Sepang and confirmed our findings here as well. In the afternoon, I tried the new Michelin front tires and also mounted a new soft tire to see where we stand. Let’s see how it goes tomorrow when grip should improve a little bit. I haven’t had the chance to check the pace yet. Tomorrow we’ll try to find some improvement in the setup and get ready for the first GP.”
Photo: Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP