This is one of the evolutions of MotoGP which has shaped the current hierarchy: while the European brands, Ducati in the lead, redouble their ingenuity to develop their motorcycles regularly, Yamaha and Honda give a certain impression of wait-and-see attitude which do gradually regress in the hierarchy. The flagship riders of both brands are doing their utmost to initiate a change: Marc Márquez wants Honda improves cooperation between each department and Fabio Quartararo keeps asking for upgrades to his Yamaha.
The Iwata manufacturer seems to have taken into account the complaints of the reigning World Champion. A reinforcement of the engine department contributed to the extension of his contract and Yamaha showed signs of a change in philosophy by recruiting Luca Marmoriniformer engine manager for Ferrari in Formula 1. Quartararo welcomes this development but urges Yamaha to do more and increase experimentation on the M1.
“I feel that we are playing much too ‘far’ from the rules, that we are a little too cautious”said the Niçois at a press conference at the Red Bull Ring. “I think we should play around a bit. I feel it’s changing a bit for next year’s bike, with a new engineer coming to Yamaha. Maybe it’s still too slow but at least I see they are adopting a bit of the European mentality, especially the Italian one, but I think you have to try a lot of things. Sometimes maybe it’s not useful but you have to test all their ideas. must try.”
If Quartararo would like this change of philosophy to accelerate, it is above all because he has not seen his bike really evolve in recent months, the new fairing tested before the summer having been immediately discarded. He must therefore rely on his leadership to explore avenues of progress.
“I’m pushing Yamaha a lot to bring things but there’s nothing really more. I’m learning a lot as a rider, I’ve improved a lot since the start of the championship. I think I’ve made a lot of progress and I think I can still do some before the end of the season.”
This progress may be necessary to allow Fabio Quartararo to shine this weekend at the Red Bull Ring. El Diablo has certainly been on the podium twice in seven starts on this circuit in MotoGP, but the long straights seem above all cut out for the Ducati and Aprilia of its main rivals for the title. He nevertheless displays a certain confidence, encouraged by his pace during his last visit to the circuit.
“I feel pretty good, especially [après] the second race of last year: we finished seventh but until the rain arrived, I think we were fighting well for the podium and the victory. We have speed. It’s critical for us in the race but in terms of pace, I don’t think it’s really a bad track for us. It will be a little harder to overtake but I don’t think this circuit will be against us and I expect it will be a little better with the chicane.”