MotoGP: Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo ‘enjoying a new riding experience’

Yamaha’s 2024 MotoGP season could be challenging, but post-season testing in Barcelona offers a glimmer of hope. French driver Fabio Quartararo achieved the second fastest time, only 0.396 seconds behind Alex Marquez. The Quartararo’s impressive performance highlights the significant improvements made by Yamaha’s updated motorcycles. The bike featured improved chassis and engine modifications that proved crucial in improving overall performance. The potential for these improvements was demonstrated by Quartararo maintaining a consistent pace throughout the session. Yamaha will benefit from increased data and development resources with the addition of the Pramac Racing satellite team for the upcoming season. This strategic move aims to further refine the bike’s set-up, enhance its track competitiveness and enhance its overall challenge in the upcoming season.

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“We tested a number of items and the results were very positive,” Quartararo said. “I think Yamaha is taking the right direction. The updated chassis and engine are a bigger step for us here. The next big step will be getting to Sepang, but I think it’s already a very positive day and I Loved riding the new bike. We were able to test it the right way and even without actually doing a time attack we were able to push and set a pretty good lap time.

His teammate Alex Rins finished eighth with a time of 1’39.568 seconds. The Spaniard tested the updated chassis and engine and generally felt good about the test.

Alex Rins said: “We tried some setups that I hadn’t tried during the Grand Prix weekend to make my life easier on the bike. On top of that, Yamaha also brought Some updates coming: chassis and engine. I feel particularly good about the chassis and I’m very happy with the testing we did now and Yamaha will have a lot of data, plus the data from the other two riders. Now it’s Yamaha’s turn to put it all together and let’s see what they can do for Sepang.”

MotoGP: Yamaha 2024 season

Yamaha has endured a challenging 2024 MotoGP season as they struggled in top-level racing due to performance issues. The Iwata-based manufacturer finished fourth in the constructors’ championship with just 124 points.

For the 2025 season, Yamaha has made a welcome move by partnering with Pramac Racing. The partnership will see Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira ride the latest Yamaha M1 machines, providing Yamaha with additional data to improve their bikes and overall performance.

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With the help of two additional riders providing insights, the team can accelerate development and resolve issues hampering the 2024 event. The partnership with Pramac Racing is a new beginning for Yamaha as they look to regain their position as the MotoGP leaders.