Signs of hope for Yamaha and Fabio?
2021 champ finds improvements in time attack, sprint simulations and race trim in Portimao
Colin Young
Fabio Quartararo’s role as Yamaha talisman was on full display in the final preseason test at Portimao. But was the surge in M1 pace both in qualifying and race trim a sign of progress, or a false dawn?
To get there Yamaha retreated to a curious combination - a hybrid package of 2022 aero and chassis set-up with the 2023 motor.
The change up, on the final day of testing, saw Quartararo post a confidence-boosting third fastest time attack. Equally impressive was a sub-record 12-lap sprint race simulation.
This lifted the dejection of last month’s Sepang test that had rung alarm bells despite the roll out of a huge programme of chassis, aero and technical changes.
And it reinforced the fact that modern MotoGP demands evolution, not revolution, especially after an illogical period of sleep walking by Yamaha.
“This year we have been changing quite a lot, and I think too much because the others have been going step by step,” said
Quartararo at Portimao.
“But for three years we were the same, and then completely different and for me we got lost. We’ve gotten back with what we used in the past but with small modifications.” he said.
“It will be difficult in the beginning but if Yamaha keeps working and brings some stuff, I think we can be there in the second part of the season.”
But by then will it be too late against raging title favourites Pecco Bagnaia and Ducati with their controlled, clever evolution of the Desmosedici?
Quartararo’s tension-easing test
performance raised as many questions as it answered, with two uncontested positives.
Quartararo’s reputation as perhaps MotoGP’s most complete racer and qualifier who can make a difference to bike pace stood out. And the top speed dividend from Yamaha’s new motor is a crucial boost, although horsepower alone will not rescue race wins under MotoGP’s new qualifying dominant twin-race format.
The opening race at Portimao will fill some gaps. The southern Portugal circuit has been a safe haven for Quartararo and Yamaha. It is a benchmark circuit for the 2021 world champions.
They have won two of the three GPs held at Portimao, the last two in succession. Both times ahead of and untouched by the Ducatis of Johann Zarco (2022) and Pecco Bagnaia (2021).
Unlocking the potential of the M1 on the final day erased Quartararo’s fears that Yamaha would not be ready for a competitive 2023.
The M1 was strikingly transformed by 2022 kit after a frustrating day one when only braking and top speed was a positive while issues with corner speed, exit traction, edge grip and stability remained even on fresh tyres.
Finally,
Quartararo was hugely relieved to be “back at one with the bike” while conceding it was not enough. The reality check was Bagnaia’s stunning qualifying pace. Quartararo added: “We are still not where I want to be.”
Still undefined is the final package of aero and fairings after an overwhelming and inconclusive roll out of winter experiments with winglets, ducts and some extreme attachments.
Not least the appearance of an eye-catching, F1-inspired, high mounted rear winglet. Was it a brilliant gimmick or a leap forward in downforce?