Yamaha sees itself ahead from the second half of the season

Yamaha's new project is now underway. In Sepang and then in Buriram, the Japanese factory learned to work with Pramac Racing, its new satellite team that allows it to double the number of Yamaha M1s on the grid compared to last year.

In addition to the progress already made by the Iwata brand during the winter, these two additional machines will allow it to accelerate its development. Pramac offers Yamaha a considerable contribution in terms of data. Information that the factory can already exploit.

The director of the official Yamaha team is therefore delighted with the way this new collaboration is starting, and takes the opportunity to detail the brand's new decision-making process.

"We have more information to share and we have seen the benefits since Sepang, Massimo Meregalli confided during the Sepang Test, in comments relayed by GP Inside. When three out of four riders have the same point of view, that's enough. It also helps us to accelerate on the performance of the bike."

Jack Miller at the Buriram Test © Pramac Racing

Realistic goals for Yamaha

Despite everything, the Italian does not expect Yamaha to play at the front from the start of the new campaign. Asked about the brand's hopes of a top-5 finish, he immediately calms expectations.

"For me, it's a bit too much, He continues. I always try to be objective and realistic, and I would like to see us close to the front riders in the second half of the season. In Sepang we had a good signal, now we also have more engineers and people and I hope that will help us accelerate.

Finally, Meregalli is pleased to be able to divide the work between Yamaha and Pramac during the year. More riders also means more resources to take advantage of the manufacturer concessions. Between the official tests, the private tests and the Grands Prix, the factory riders have been in great demand in the past.

With the support of Pramac and Augusto Fernandez, its new test rider, Yamaha will be able to share out the tasks and preserve its regular riders a little more to give their all during the Grand Prix.

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