While still a struggling team Yamaha has taken some steps forward lately , and this was clearly seen in the most recent rainbow events. All credit also goes to the Japanese manufacturer, which, aware that it is still behind, has rolled up its sleeves and reacted more diligently than its standards to the riders' calls.
In his brief speech in the press conference on the eve of the Motegi round, Fabio Quartararo thus responded to a top 6 hypothesis in this race.
"In Misano I placed in the top five, so we'll see. Here there are several accelerations and we lack power. This is something that could play a pivotal role. If we were to enter Q2 right away tomorrow, it would still be good," he said realistically before outlining the elements that have led the M1 to strengthen.
"Braking and lateral grip in braking have improved, but not in acceleration. Hopefully this step forward will allow us to be in the top 10 as early as Friday afternoon because this literally changes the weekend. I honestly hope and expect to be there," he added, glossing over the V4 engine under development and the future: "I want to think about the present and give my best to progress. We will have a new chassis, the fourth in five GPs. Compared to the past, the Japanese manufacturer is doing so much. It would be great if it helped us with the rear grip."
More talkative, however, was Alex Rins, who was positive and motivated for the upcoming weekend. "For me, all overseas tracks are special because you only come once a year. We will see if the weather will give us a hand This specifically is a great track because of the strong braking and I would like to enjoy it in dry conditions. It all depends on how the bike will do. We will have some new things available, especially the chassis that was already brought in the second weekend in Misano," the Spaniard claimed.
"I hope for a better result than last race, which was a bit chaotic for us. Last year Fabio and Morbidelli had struggled, but personally I am full of energy and very charged. Giving us support will be Remy Gardner who will try some updates, some totally new and others already used in the Italian GP, also with a view to 2025," he revealed.
The greater closeness to the group that counts in Mandalika has been a breath of fresh air for the entire team. "There has always been a good atmosphere with us, certainly the last few races have been positive and especially in Misano my teammate did very well. We are all motivated and are working in synergy to improve the bike. The changes we have made are the daughters of our indications, so I am optimistic," concluded the former Suzuki rider.
Automatic Translation by DeepL