After the private test in Mugello, Yamaha unleashes the first aerodynamic update – the new fairing for Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will be homologated in Barcelona
Yamaha is working at full speed on the M1 to become competitive again. At the Monday test after the race weekend in Jerez, Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins set off with a new aerodynamic package
CFD specialist Marco Nicotra, who switched from Ducati to Yamaha last fall, was involved in this development. In the week following the French Grand Prix, Yamaha tested privately with Quartararo and Rins in Mugello.
There, the new aerodynamics were evaluated again and the conclusion was reached that this package would be homologated. Quartararo and Rins will therefore race with the new fairing for the first time next weekend in Barcelona.
“After the private Mugello test, we agreed on an aerodynamic version that we will try out next weekend,” confirmed former world champion Quartararo. “It will be interesting to see how it works out.”
“We made progress with the set-up at Le Mans. We will see if we can achieve good results this weekend. Of course, we will do our best as always.”
Team-mate Rins not only evaluated new developments at the Mugello test, but also continued to work on an optimal basic set-up for himself. Barcelona is an important weekend for the Spaniard as his home race
“Of course, that makes it even more exciting,” says Rins looking ahead. “We worked hard at the Mugello test. This weekend we have the new aerodynamic package available. A version that I like.”
As a Concession Group D manufacturer, two aerodynamic updates are permitted per season. Yamaha is now firing up the first update. If another update follows later in the year, one of the two earlier versions will have to be removed from the quota.
A big question mark in Barcelona concerns grip, which is always relatively low there. “Especially on the first day of practice,” says team manager Massimo Meregalli. “That was a problem for us last year, but we have taken measures to manage it as well as possible. “
