Quartararo Expected "Much Better" Yamaha At Misano MotoGP Test
Categories: MotoGP
At the Misano test Fabio Quartararo tries the 2024-spec Yamaha M1 for the first time and is once again disappointed by the team’s work.
Fabio Quartararo had eagerly anticipated the Misano test for insights into the 2024 season. On Monday, he completed a total of 91 laps, not only assessing the Michelin tire compounds but also experimenting with the first engine upgrade for the upcoming season and testing new aerodynamic advancements on his M1.
However, despite his high hopes, the 2021 World Champion expressed some disappointment: “I had expected this test to be much better. But we have to stay positive and try to analyze what happened to improve for the Valencia test.”
“One of the positive aspects was the Spoon on the swingarm,” the Yamaha factory rider mentioned, referring to a new aerodynamic add-on.
“I believe we will get that for the next race. As for the rest, I assume we will remove some things and try to bring some new things for the Valencia test.”
Regarding the much-anticipated new engine, Quartararo stated, “I can’t say that now; I need to test it more. But as I said before, I expected more from this test.”
“The feeling is different, but I expected more power. It was a bit difficult to say something really positive about the engine,” Fabio admitted.
He also found comparisons with Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow’s feedback challenging, noting, “Here in Misano, the track offers a lot of grip. Where he tested, there was no grip at all. However, the comments were similar.”
"Today, I didn't feel that"
Even during the preseason tests for the 2023 season, Quartararo had repeatedly expressed that he had anticipated more. Is his current sentiment at least better than during the Misano test in 2022?
“Not really,” replied the previous year’s vice-world champion. “When I first tried the 2023 bike in 2022, I thought the engine was a bit better for the first time. Today, I didn’t feel that.”
At last, Yamaha Racing Director Lin Jarvis had already clarified that this is not the final specification for 2024. Despite the disappointment, Quartararo remained surprisingly composed and collected.
He shared, “Yamaha believed in me in Moto2. My attitude at the beginning of the year was a bit more arrogant than it should have been.”
“Of course, we’re going through a tough moment, but I have to remain polite. We both want the same thing. Naturally, it’s difficult, but I prefer to stay calmer and try to find a better solution with everyone,” he concluded before heading into a meeting with Luca Marmorini and the team.
