The Barcelona tests offered an encouraging first glimpse of the progress made by Yamaha for the 2025 season. Iwata engineers seem to have found the right avenues to improve the performance of their bike, hinting at a return to form for the tuning fork brand. , which will nevertheless have to be confirmed during the back-to-school test in Sepang.
The 2025 MotoGP season began with the Barcelona testswhere the teams unveiled their first technological innovations. Ducati et
Aprilia have carried out comprehensive trials with their new machines, while Yamaha chose a more discreet approach, focusing on testing specific parts with no apparent revolution.
Yamaha riders Fabio Quartararo et
Alex Rins each had three motorcycles in their respective boxes, but visible updates were limited. Pramac Yamahathe new customer team, had to settle for the standard 2024 models.
Despite this apparent restraint, the Barcelona test delivered promising results. Quarterly posted the second fastest time, just 0.396 seconds behindAlex
Marquez sur la Ducati GP24. Rinsfor his part, finished eighth, 0.765 seconds behind the best time.
« The three components we mainly wanted to evaluate here – the chassis, aerodynamics and engine – all gave us positive feedback“, said
Massimo Meregalliteam boss
Yamahain an interview with MotoGP.com. “ Not only did our riders feel better, but it was also reflected in the results.
We exceeded our expectations in this test. »
Yamaha keeps its major innovations for Sepang
Fabio Quartararo was optimistic: “ we tried a few things and achieved a faster time than in qualifying, even without trying to chase the time. I think we are on the right track now.
The biggest updates will come to Malaysia. I hope they make us even faster. »
Unlike its rivals, Yamaha keeps its major innovations for Sepangwhere the brand will benefit from six full days of testing thanks to concession regulations. The pilots hope for significant progress, particularly on the weak points identified.
Rins was direct: “ Yamaha needs to improve on braking, corner entry, engine performance and electronics.
From what they say, I expect a big change in the next test. But I can't tell you what it is. » Fabio Quartararo added: “ power and grip. We are far behind, especially when it comes to grip.
Santa Claus Has Already Brought Us Some Powerbut we still need more. »
And Yamaha manages to meet these challenges, 2025 could well be the year of renewal for the Japanese team on the MotoGP scene. It remains that Malaysiaduring a
Shakedown from January 31 to February 2 where closed doors will be required, it is expected that Yamaha
take his machine equipped with its new V4, still in full development, for the first time on the track.
