Yamaha’s Jerez MotoGP updates improve rider feeling but don’t bring performance

Fabio Quartararo says Yamaha’s suite of updates for the Jerez MotoGP test improved the front-end feeling but did not deliver a direct performance gain.

In a bid to get its troubled V4 programme back on track, Yamaha introduced several new components at the first in-season test of the year in Spain on Monday. Notably, one of the fairings Quartararo evaluated was similar to, if not identical to, the specification used last year on the inline four-cylinder bike.

Quartararo struck a more positive tone about the changes the Iwata-based manufacturer made, having previously expressed his frustration over the lack of progress in the bike’s development.

Crucially, the updates addressed an area that he had identified as a key weakness following Yamaha’s shift to a V4-powered bike this year: the feedback from the front-end.

“We tested many, many things: he said. We tested the chassis, swingarm, electronics and aero. 

“We didn't find so much, because we already tested the chassis in [Spanish FP] practice. 

“The aeros have been something that we use quite a lot. Looks like we found a bit of front feeling. Not really performance, but the feeling is going to help us.

“I've been saying since September last year that we miss the front feeling.”

The Frenchman didn't want to pinpoint what helped him rediscover the front-end feeling, he was likely referring to the old fairing.

“Well, I tested a lot of them. I think the last one I used was the one that was more positive,” he said. “Let's see what the team will bring for Le Mans.

“But for me, it's a big help when I start to feel the front. Even if the potential is there, I need to feel where the limit is.”

Bike of Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing

Photo by: Burak Akbulut - Anadolu - Getty Images

Last weekend, Quartararo said a lack of top speed was Yamaha’s “last problem” at Jerez, as he instead pointed to grip, front-end feeling and turning as key areas the Japanese marque needed to work.

The 2021 champion said Yamaha also has to make progress with the bike’s electronics after a particular change at Jerez produced unexpected results.

“We're trying many things on the electronics, engine braking and traction,” he said.

“We found more in the front [of the bike], but there is still a lot of work to do on the electronics, because we tested something that was supposed to give us less performance, and I felt better.

“I think there are still things that we need to figure out.”

MotoGP will head to Le Mans for the French Grand Prix next week, a year after Quartararo claimed pole position in front of his home crowd.

Asked whether he was more optimistic about his prospects at Circuit Bugatti following the Jerez test, he said: “No. It will be a bit better, but I will not say that I'm optimistic. 

“I don't think what we found is something big. It's a small detail that can help me with my riding, but we, being honest, we didn't find really, really something important.”