What Fabio Quartararo Will Be Looking For during the sepang Shakedown test
Categories: MotoGP
All MotoGP riders can’t wait to get back on track for the shakedown test. Fabio Quartararo reckons it won’t take long to work out whether he will be competitive or not.
For the new season, Yamaha is looking to get back on track after a disappointing 2022 campaign.
The first direction for the 2023 season will come from the shakedown test in Sepang. For Fabio Quartararo in particular, the coming weekend will already reveal a lot.
The Frenchman has been insisting for months on necessary engine upgrades in order to stand a chance against the Ducati armada in the fight for the world championship.
Quartararo hopes to find out on the first day of the shakedown test whether the new engine will prove to be a help to the Yamaha riders after the disappointment of the post-season test.
The 2021 World Champion told roadracingworld.com that he only needs “five laps” to find out whether the Yamaha has improved or not.
“I’ll know if the bike is going well, especially at top speed. On the engine, I will immediately understand if it will go well or not.”
In addition to engine performance, the focus at Yamaha and in Quartararo’s garage will be on improving the bike’s rear grip and acceleration.
To get back on track, the Iwata manufacturer doesn’t need a quantum leap, but big improvements in various areas.
Cal Crutchlow has already had the chance to ride the new Yamaha during the winter break. New problems emerged in the process.
With new complications, the Sepang shakedown test could be a big one for Yamaha as many expect a decent bike to fight the other manufacturers for the title.
