Yamaha is one of the least competitive constructors in MotoGP currently, occupying the last position in the Constructors’ World Championship with three rounds to go. Three third places obtained by Fabio Quartararo are the best results so far, despite the progress made on the bike.
Diego Gubellini, chief mechanic of the French rider, told Australian Motorcycle News: ‘From my point of view, our bike has improved compared to last year. The step we took, especially with the engine, is significant. But it’s not like we need to close the gap to the constructors. The difference in power is not just a matter of top speed or acceleration. It generates many secondary effects, such as aerodynamic performance‘.
For Gubellini there is no doubt that the influence of aerodynamics and the holeshot device on performance is such that, without them, the Yamaha YZR-M1 would be a highly competitive bike: ‘For me, the main issue with aerodynamics and the holeshot device [is that you can put a big patch on the negative aspects of the bike concept. To explain simply: at this moment, if you take away all the wings and the holeshot device, the Yamaha instantly becomes a super good bike‘.
