Honda turned to Kalex to work on its MotoGP swingarm, and now it was Yamaha’s turn to turn to a company better known for automobilism: in this case Dallara, in an aerodynamics collaboration.
The Italian manufacturer already used parts from this partnership in last week’s test in Jerez, presenting a very different YZR-M1, and apparently for the better. This is another step in the significant efforts that Yamaha is making to return to good results. There have been many changes in recent months, including in terms of human resources, with increased investment and a new more European mentality.
There was also a new frame in the Jerez test. For now, one of Yamaha’s riders, Álex Rins, said quoted by MOW Mag that he expected more: ‘Maybe I expected more because of the different look of the bike, even better performance. The aesthetics can be a bit deceiving‘.
Still, the Spaniard has reasons for encouragement, even knowing that the rivals are still far away: ‘Comparing with our rival bikes, we had difficulties when we were at maximum lean angle. It seems that in fast corners everyone is far away from us. I also did many laps with the new frame: the idea was to find more speed in the corners, but I didn’t feel the difference I expected. However, alongside aerodynamics, there were other very positive aspects, such as the new electronics, which I think made us take a significant step forward‘.
