Yamaha turns the page in Aragon thanks to a positive test

If the Grand Prix of Aragon of MotoGP was very difficult for Yamaha, the team completed an official test with generally positive feedback the next day, on the same circuit. fabio quartararo and Álex Rins, took advantage of a busy day to evaluate several new technical features. While fine-tuning preparations for the rest of the season, and in particular the first 'double header' on the calendar, with races at Mugello and Assen.

Fabio Quartararo tested a new engine version and revised fairing, following on from the tests conducted by Augusto Fernandez during the Grand Prix. The Frenchman completed 74 laps in total, completing 40 laps in the morning and 34 in the afternoon. His best time, a 1:46.213 set on lap 29 of his first session, put him in provisional 4th place in the morning standings, just 0,464s off the fastest time.

At the end of the day, he finished 7th in the combined standings, 0,519s behind the leader. The Nice driver praised the progress made with the engine, while emphasizing that the exceptional grip conditions of the day facilitated the improvement in times.

“It looks like the new engine can give us a little something for Mugello, which is positive, rejoices the Frenchman. We also tried the electronics. We had some difficulties with this system during the race weekend in Aragon. But at Mugello, we will always start with our usual base settings. Aragon was a special circumstance."

He then explains: “The track grip was so high today that we were able to make the lap times much easier. I did four laps in a row, without pushing, that were faster than my qualifying lap. So you can see the huge difference that grip makes. And that’s what we were missing yesterday.”

Alex Rins at the Aragon Test © Yamaha

Yamaha testing before the next Grand Prix

For his part, Alex Rins focused his program on evaluating the new engine and aerodynamic features, while also fine-tuning his Yamaha. The Spaniard chose not to focus on attempting fast times, preferring to compare performances in race-like conditions. Rins completed 41 laps in the morning and 19 in the afternoon, finishing 18th overall with a best time of 1:47.366, 1,672 seconds behind the leader.

"We tested many new elements, including the swingarm that we had already used at the Aragon GP, he adds in turn. We also had new fairings. It was a great day today! I really like how it works. It seems like we're gaining a little bit in the middle of the corners. So that's very positive.

“We also improved our pace. As soon as I noticed the grip level was huge, just after 15 p.m., I stopped riding because the difference can be confusing when comparing data. We did our test and finished with a good feeling. I had a small crash at Turn 12, but without consequences. Let's see how it goes at Mugello in two weeks.” concludes Alex Rins.

The team will now enjoy a week of rest before tackling the Mugello-Assen double-header. The Test Team and Pramac Yamaha will also take part in a two-day private test in Barcelona this week.

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