“Yamaha will not be ready for the first race,” Fabio Quartararo disappointed after the final MotoGP pre-season test for 2023
Fabio Quartararo is worried about Yamaha's current package..
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Fabio Quartararo. Image via Twitter
Fabio Quartararo had a difficult time at the pre-season testing in Portimao. It is the second and final test for the 2023 season. Quartararo was not happy with the Sepang test in February as well. He called his Yamaha a “nightmare”. Things have only gotten worse from there. The 2021 MotoGP champion finished eighth overall in Portimao, but Francesco Bagnaia, the Ducati rider, was eight-tenths ahead of him.
Quartararo has expressed his concern over the pace. He is worried about his pace on new tyres, especially in the sprint races. He does not think the team will be ready for the season opener. Quartararo also admitted that he did not feel good on the bike. He hopes Yamaha will be able to turn things around soon.
Fabio Quartararo was disappointed after the first day of the Portimao testing. He stated, “The problem is not only the qualifying. It’s also new tyres for the pace. I’m worried about the sprint races because, if we check compared to the top guys, when they put on a new tyre and we put on a new tyre, we are half a second slower.” He did not hold back his emotions.
Related: Yamaha to test F1-style rear wing in Portimao ahead of the 2023 MotoGP Season
Fabio Quartararo does not feel good on the bike, problems arise for Yamaha
Quartararo feels that there is a big difference with the new tyres. He reckoned that they are one, two-tenths slower, and it is worse on the time attack. “For sure we will not be ready for the first race. I will not say 100%, because hopefully tomorrow we will have the solution. But right now I don’t feel ready and I don’t feel good on the bike. And that’s why I think it’s the first time I didn’t check the top speed, so we have a lot of work to do.”
The MotoGP champion admitted that he was frustrated in Sepang. He had a bad ride. He tried to stay calm and understand the bike in Portimao. But, it turned out to be difficult. Quartararo revealed that he is struggling in all areas apart from braking. Corner speed, stability, and the exit of the corner, the Yamaha rider is also finding it difficult to use the tyres.
Quartararo finds it hard to understand the bike. He is praying for a solution. Franco Morbidelli, his Yamaha teammate, secured 21st place on the first day of testing at Portimao. Both the riders, along with the team, have some work to do. Quartararo did not hold back and expressed his feelings. Time will tell whether his disappointment will turn into joy.
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Sugantha Meena
(493 Articles Published)