MotoGP News: Yamaha Brings Silverstone Upgrades - 'Can't Wait For Tomorrow'

Yamaha brings new upgrades to Silverstone to improve handling, addressing a current weakness.

Apr 12, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Fabio Quartararo (20) of France and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP during practice for the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The race weekend is almost upon us for the Silverstone 2024 World Champion where Fabio Quartararo is slated to debut new upgrades for his Yamaha machine. These modifications, tested during the summer break, are designed to sharpen the bike's handling—a sore point in the current configurations despite being a historical strength.

Quartararo has been at the forefront of Yamaha's development efforts for the past two seasons, playing a vital role in tackling the challenges faced by the team.

"Yes, they have [made upgrades]. We will see during the weekend. They did something. I think about what we can do but until you are putting all the things on the track you can't see where you will end up," Quartararo stated. "Tomorrow afternoon the goal is clearly to be in Q2 and if we are not it means the improvement was not enough."

The focus on handling is crucial as Quartararo notes:

"Especially the handling of the bike which was in the past a strong point, is now our weak point. We have to come back a bit in this area. Now our engine is faster but we are not turning and we are not stopping.

"There are many areas where we are struggling. Let's see with the handling if we can be better and faster. When you look for something you always sacrifice something else. Let's see if it is big but for sure we will sacrifice something for having better handling."

Looking beyond this weekend, the Frenchman is eagerly awaiting the roll-out of a new engine, suggesting potential early tests at circuits like Misano or Aragon before Yamaha's home race in Japan.

"I'm pushing to have it as fast as possible," he disclosed. "Japan is still really far away so this is why I want to push and to know a bit the direction we have to go for the future. I would like to have it tomorrow but it's going to be difficult but I'm pushing every day to have it. If we can have it in Misano, Aragon or whatever, but I want to have it as soon as possible."

Also part of the Yamaha squad, Alex Rins shares similar feedback to Quartararo despite differing riding styles, an alignment that bolsters the development direction.  "I think it's great. Also, Alex [Rins] has done a good job this year and the feedback has been the same as me even if the riding style if completely different," the 25-year-old stated. "Next year with two more bikes, and the testing that is going to evaluate, will be nice. We are working on a really good way."

Reflecting on the team's trajectory and the upcoming challenges, he maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook.

"We are working in a really good way. The break has been good, especially for me and for Yamaha to think about different things. I think from this race we can find a direction of improvement, but let's see. Every time you think something is going to be much better and it's not, so I want to wait for tomorrow and see on Friday how good we can be."

The Silverstone circuit will be a crucial proving ground for Yamaha and Quartararo. All eyes will be on the Japanese brand this weekend to see whether these upgrades will propel Yamaha closer to the front of the grid.