Yamaha is one of the less competitive manufacturers in MotoGP currently, occupying the last position in the Constructors’ World Championship with three rounds to go. Three third-place finishes by Fabio Quartararo are the best results achieved so far, despite the progress made on the bike.
Diego Gubellini, the crew chief of the French rider, told the Australian Motorcycle News: ‘From my point of view, our bike has improved compared to last year. The step we took, particularly with the engine, is significant. But it’s not like we need to close the gap to the other manufacturers. The difference in terms of power is not just a matter of top speed or acceleration. It has many side effects, such as aerodynamic performance’.
In Gubellini’s view, 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 it can put a big patch on the negative aspects of the bike’s concept. To explain it simply: right now, if you remove all the wings and the holeshot device, the Yamaha instantly becomes a really good bike’.