MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo 'Expected More Power' from 2024 Yamaha Engine During Misano Test

Fabio Quartararo said during the Misano test that he "expected much better" from Yamaha's 2024 MotoGP prototype engine, which was designed with legendary Formula 1 engine head Luca Marmorini. Yamaha's power deficit compared to its competitors in MotoGP over the last several years has been a major factor in the company's decline in the championship standings. To that end, it started collaborating with ex-Ferrari F1 engine head Marmorini in 2023, with an eye on improving for the 2024 season. At Misano's post-San Marino Grand Prix test on Monday, 2021 MotoGP champion Quartararo tested the new engine and finished sixth overall, 5 km/h behind the quickest Ducati through the speed traps. Yamaha's superstar rider has been becoming more disillusioned over the last several months as the team has sunk to the bottom of the manufacturer rankings and tried to rediscover the form that brought them championships in the past.

MotoGP: Quartararo’s Remark on 2024 Yamaha Bike

After his first test ride of the 2024 Yamaha Bike, Fabio Quartararo said, "I expected much better from this test, but we have to stay positive and analyse the data so we can improve for the Valencia Test. For this year, one of the things that was positive was the spoon that we tried under the swing arm. I think we will start using this at the next race. The rest will need to be further developed for the Valencia Test."

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Quartararo had a jam-packed schedule, testing everything from the aero package and engine to the latest Michelin tyres. In the first practice, he did 41 laps, and in the second, he did 50. His best time of the day came on his last lap. The time of 1m31.177s resulted in securing the sixth position in the comprehensive test standings, with a gap of 0.575s behind the leading rider, Luca Marini.   

Despite Quartararo's assertion that the Yamaha engine requires consistent power across the entire rpm range, he cautioned that the results of the test are difficult to interpret due to the high levels of track grip.

The French rider had a less optimistic outlook compared to his Team Director since he was unable to test a new chassis due to time limits. Furthermore, he expressed dissatisfaction with the newly implemented aero package which resulted in reduced speed and an unfavourable driving experience.

MotoGP: The Misano Test

Luca Marini, riding for VR46 Ducati, dominated the MotoGP post-race test in Misano. The first 4h45m session was led by Marini, but with an hour remaining in the afternoon session, Pramac Ducati rider Jorge Martin was in the lead. Martin won the Misano sprint and the San Marino Grand Prix.

Also Read: MotoGP: Luca Marini Confirms Seat in Valentino Rossi's Mooney VR46 Team in 2024

Since none of the Ducati Desmosedici's factory riders were available, Martin reportedly rode the prototype. While points leader Pecco Bagnaia was injured in Barcelona but was able to race at Misano, Enea Bastianini is now in the midst of what is expected to be another lengthy injury layoff.

Marco Bezzecchi, a teammate of Marini's, was in a similar position after suffering hand discomfort in the same pileup that Bastianini had created in Barcelona. Fabio Di Giannantonio of Gresini, another Ducati satellite rider, missed the race as well because of shoulder problems.