The Austrian Grand Prix weekend marked a low point for Monster Yamaha in MotoGP 2024, as neither Fabio Quartararo nor Alex Rins managed to score any points in either the Sprint Race or the main Grand Prix. This poor performance is the first time this season that Yamaha has been left without a single point, while its long-time rival Honda beat it for only the second time this year.
While Yamaha is preparing for the next round at Aragonexpectations are based on improved grip provided by a recently resurfaced track, as well as new parts tested during the Private tests in Misano. Yamaha has enjoyed past successes in Aragonwith notable results in 2020 when Franco Morbidelli et Fabio Quartararo finished first and third respectively. However, recent years have been more difficult, with an eighth place for Quartararo in 2021 and an abandonment after a collision with Marc Marquez in
2022.
Yamaha Team Director,
Max Meregalliacknowledged the challenges posed by the Aragon track: “ Aragon is a beautiful track with a nice layout, but in recent years it has been a difficult track for us. » He expressed hope that the new surface will improve grip, a crucial factor for the performance of yamahaa. In addition, The new parts tested and approved in Misano will be introduced this weekendwith the aim of achieving the best possible results and collecting valuable data for the rest of the season.
Fabio Quartararo Yamaha : « Aragon is not usually an easy circuit for me, but I am curious to see if the new asphalt will help me »
Fabio Quartararowho finished fifth at
Aragon during his first season in
2019hopes that the updates made to the
Yamaha M1 will give him an advantage. Although he called these latest changes ” small improvement “, it remains curious to see how the new asphalt will Aragon could influence its performance. Aragon is not usually an easy circuit for me, but I am curious to see if the new asphalt will help me ” he said, while joking on social media about his desperate need for grip.
For his part,
Alex Rinswho has already won races at
Aragon in Moto3 and MotoGP, approaches this GP with a positive spirit. It is his first time on this circuit as a rider Yamahaand he hopes the improved grip from the new surface will work in his favour. I like the Aragon circuit, it’s a circuit where I’ve had good results in the past. Now that the track has been resurfaced, I hope the grip level will improve, which could benefit us. ” he explained.
The return ofAragon to the MotoGP calendar, with a renovated track and high expectations for Yamaharepresents an opportunity for the team to turn things around after a difficult weekend in Austria. With talented drivers like Quarterly et Rins
seeking to take advantage of technical improvements and the new track surface, YamahHe hopes not only to return to competitive performances, but also to reconnect with the essential points for the championship.
