Quartararo tested the 2023 engine and a new chassis at Misano 

fabio quartararo concluded the first day of testing in sixth position, just under three tenths behind Francesco Bagnaia, now his main opponent for the title. But more important than the ranking or the times, the world champion said he was rather delighted with the work accomplished by Yamaha. 

During this first day, Quartararo tested the first version of the 2023 engine as well as a chassis with which he immediately felt comfortable. “This morning I tried the new chassis,” he said. We put two sets of new tires on and did comparisons with different tires to be 100% sure. The new chassis works great, but I haven't been able to determine which one is better. This afternoon we evaluated with the first 2023 engine, which is a good step forward and I'm quite happy, given that we still have time before the first race of the 2023 season in Portimão. Then we did front tire tests for Michelin. (…) Tomorrow we will have more things to test. »

80 laps in the first day of testing. Positive step! Let's see tomorrow 🔥🤞 pic.twitter.com/H8gqeL9Uua

- Fabio Quartararo (@ FabioQ20) September 6, 2022

The regulations prohibiting the introduction of a new engine during the year, Quartararo and Yamaha can nevertheless use this new chassis from now on, even next week at the Aragon GP. “We have to see,” he explained. I go faster with the standard chassis, but I like the new one. We will have to make a decision. Of course we will bring it to Aragon. As for whether we will use it, I don't know. It's still a question mark. We have a few days to decide, but I think it will be a good thing to bring and if we have any doubts we will try it. »

On the menu for Wednesday: a new fairing and “new things”

On Wednesday, the Frenchman will be able to take advantage of another day of testing to test new parts, starting with a new fairing that his teammate Franco Morbidelli released on Tuesday. “I think we have a meeting later where we will plan what we are going to test tomorrow,” Quartararo said. For sure, we will have new things. I know we will have a new aerodynamic fairing. Franco tested one today with, I believe, new fins. Next, I don't know what we'll try. »

For the moment, Yamaha seems to have kept all its promises with a new engine and other developments and Quartararo is optimistic for the future. “I’m happy with this first step,” he smiled. This afternoon, for the first time, I was able to look at top speeds at the top of the leaderboard rather than at the bottom. They do a good job. I still have a lot of requests, but at least I know these first steps are very good. I need to do more, although I know they won't be as big as the one we just did, but I think we are in the right direction for the future. »