Yamaha is back on track in Valencia for a crucial two-day test session with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins. After a rain-soaked test at Mugello, the team is making the most of this opportunity to test new components and refine their bikes.
Quartararo expressed his frustration with the limited dry testing time at Mugello but remained optimistic. “We had many parts to test, but we couldn’t do it. The weather didn’t help us,” he said, reflecting on his 14th-place finish after only about 15 laps. Despite the wet conditions, Quartararo managed to gather valuable data, focusing on traction control and reducing corner exit slipping. He noted, “It was a shame we couldn’t ride on the dry, but we made the most of the wet conditions. I did a lot of laps to understand the traction control and reduce slipping when exiting corners. Notwithstanding the rain, it was a positive test.”
Rins, who finished 7th in the Mugello test, also highlighted the importance of the Valencia test. “It’s crucial for us to get back on track and test the new parts in optimal conditions,” he said. Both riders are eager to utilize this test to improve their performance and prepare for the upcoming races.
The three-week break in the MotoGP calendar, caused by the postponement of the Kazakhstan GP, has provided Yamaha with a valuable window to focus on development. This test session is vital for Quartararo and Rins as they aim to fine-tune their bikes and boost their competitiveness for the remainder of the season.