TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
# CatalanGP
YAMAHA
Yamaha has been aggressive in its hiring policy over the winter months , signing up Max Bartolini ( Technical Director ) and Marco Nicotra ( Senior Aerodynamics Engineer ) from Ducati . Lead rider Fabio Quartararo has already noted a positive change in approach in the factory box .
Work over the offseason has focussed on improving the M1 ’ s engine , as well as focussing on its electronics package , which Quartararo believes is some way behind Ducati ’ s . A new engine is certainly faster in terms of top speed . But it remains a twitchy , nervous bike which is very physical for the riders to manhandle – a far cry from the sweet handling M1s of old .
The bike remains highly competitive over longer distance with Quartararo ’ s pace on used tyres impressive . Yet his comments regarding bike performance during a time attack – last year ’ s glaring weakness – remain , meaning the Frenchman will most likely find himself fighting through from the third or fourth row of the grid in the early rounds at least .
“ Quartararo notes a ‘ positive change in approach ’ at Yamaha with new hires from Ducati .”
Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya | 67