Quartararo's podium at Jerez reignites the debate around the V4 engine

For the first time in MotoGP, a driver of the day was elected last Sunday in Jerez. Brilliant in the right place at the right time, fabio quartararo remains the first crowned at the end of a frankly controlled event. Among the elements that led the Frenchman to such results in Spain – a pole position on Saturday, and a second place on Sunday – the fact of having worked extensively on the engine was raised many times by the person concerned.

"I think we changed the engine specifications five or six times to make it more powerful, he detailed before Sunday's Grand PrixWe also gained a little bit of grip compared to last year."

Even more prominent during the tests carried out the next day on the same track, Fabio Quartararo was also the fastest on the track, equipped with a new engine. "The day was positive, even though all day, and especially in the afternoon, there was a lot of wind, commented the Yamaha rider. This made it difficult to run well, and the data was less consistent. But I'm happy. We tested a new engine, and it seems to be positive. We'll probably use it at Le Mans, but before that, the engineers will have to analyze the data carefully."

In addition to power, Fabio Quartararo is looking for grip. The 2021 world champion particularly mentioned the Ducati riders' ability to reaccelerate more easily despite a smaller cornering angle. With this in mind, traction and braking are key elements in the Frenchman's quest for performance. Expected to ride the future bike this fall, the rider reiterated his high ambitions.

Will the V4 solve Yamaha's problems?

"I don't know which one I prefer. I haven't tested the new one. But it's true that we need to improve one thing. I don't know if it's with the V4 or our current bike, but it's the way we approach the corners.", he explained. We brake a lot with the front and we don't use the rear to brake."

“When you're alone, the grip is pretty good, but as soon as you make a small mistake on the brakes, when the bike slides, it's really difficult, added the tricolor. As I said, I think the V4 is the way to get closest to the style of our rivals. But I just want to have a fast bike and fight with these guys. It's going to be tough, and I hope they manage these two side projects as best they can.

Beyond pure performance, the challenge is whether they can keep up the fight for longer than they did at the Jerez Grand Prix. Clearly unable to keep up with the Marquez brothers' pace, Fabio Quartararo has high ambitions for next weekend at Le Mans. In the longer term, the main objective is a return to the forefront for Yamaha. In total, four of the six factory manufacturers will switch to V4 technology starting next season.

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