Yamaha is the rival to beat, at least on paper. The signature of the tuning fork has among its ranks the current champion, a Fabio Quartararo who won the MotoGP title in 2021 on the back of the Yamaha M1. However, the Iwata-based manufacturer’s prototype closed the season a step or two behind the Ducati, so the Yamaha project has more unknowns than a champion team should. For the moment, the only certainty is that Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli will share a box in 2022.
As expected given the date and time of the presentation, the premiere of Yamaha’s 2022 project has taken place with an online event in which both the pilots, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli, and those responsible for the project have participated. With Lin Jarvis at the helm, the Japanese team hopes to be back in contention for the title with a line-up that this time should play the entire MotoGP season, since the stability that was missing in 2021 with the sudden departure of Maverick Viñales also hurt the team.
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In order to be among the best and for Fabio Quartararo to be able to fight for the title alongside Franco Morbidelli, the Japanese firm has worked to improve the M1, as stated Massimo MeregalliYamaha team manager manager: «We have to improve, because last year we suffered a lot. Engine and top speed are two areas they are focused on in Japan. You have to get more power, but also aerodynamic aspects are being studied to gain rear grip and achieve greater acceleration».
the reigning champion fabio quartararo He is very clear that his only objective is to defend the title on the back of the renewed Yamaha M1: «It has been a very different winter, with many events after having won the 2021 title. It was very good, since I was able to celebrate it properly with the team, with my family and my friends, but honestly I never stopped training. I have never stopped for more than three days this winter. For me the motivation is to achieve the same in 2022. The past year has helped me a lot to believe in myself more and to have more confidence. It has been a very good winter and I am very prepared”
The Italian Franco Morbidelli faces his first full season with the official Yamaha team after competing in his first Grand Prix with the team during the final stretch of last season: «I can’t wait to start riding the 2022 bike now that my knee is in better condition. I am very interested to see how our progress continues. I think that in the last races of last year we were able to take some steps forward, but it is now that we must confirm this progression. The team has worked very hard and so have I to be physically ready.”