Fabio Quartararo: “We’re getting closer! »

Finally something positive for Yamaha and fabio quartararo ! After the first day of testing in the Algarve, the two drivers Monster EnergyYamaha showed the serious countenance of bad days. Certainly, the M1 had gained a few horses, but its drivers still had difficulty taking advantage of the tires when setting a time. Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli were of course disillusioned by the gap separating them from the untouchable Ducati, but perhaps even more so by their delay on the Aprilia. However, at the end of the second day, the Japanese manufacturer seems to have found the beginnings of a solution, at least for the French driver. “This single day was much more positive than the three days of testing in Sepang and the first day here in Portimao, appreciated Fabio Quartararo. We went back to the old aero package and proven settings and took a big step forward. »

Work pays at Yamaha © Michelin

Indeed, “El Diablo” completed a Sprint race simulation in the afternoon and performed particularly well. Comfortable on new tires and third fastest of the weekend, the No. 20 knows he is on the right track to tickle the Ducatis. “In particular, we have made great progress in the use of new tires. We are not yet at 100% of our possibilities but we are getting closer and we are not giving up. »

Yamaha had entrusted Quartararo with a bulky rear wing in the afternoon, to say the least, which the Frenchman found interesting, without being fully convinced by the concept. “Yes, he’s massive, but he’s at the back of the bike (laughs). To be honest, it wasn't worse with it but I didn't feel a big difference. I don't think we will use it, but before deciding, we will see if it brings a real benefit or not. »

A real rear wing on Quartararo's M1 © MotoGP