Yamaha demonstrated renewed potential at the Barcelona MotoGP test, marking a significant turnaround after a challenging 2024 season that saw Fabio Quartararo finish 13th in the championship.
Technical Improvements
The upgraded M1 showcased several key developments. The revised chassis delivered notable improvements in corner entry performance, while new aerodynamics and swingarm modifications complemented the package. A new engine specification was also evaluated, though the anticipated V4 configuration wasn’t present at this test.
Performance Breakthrough
Quartararo’s performance proved particularly impressive, securing the second position with a time of 1m 39.199s, just 0.396s behind Alex Marquez. The French rider completed 75 laps, testing multiple new components, including chassis, aero, swingarm, and engine updates.
Team Expansion
The test marked a significant milestone, with Yamaha fielding four bikes for the first time since 2022. Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira made their debuts with the new Pramac Yamaha team, providing valuable additional feedback.
Future Development
Quartararo won’t ride the M1 again until the Sepang test in February, giving Yamaha engineers time to implement further improvements. The team plans to introduce more significant upgrades at Sepang, particularly focusing on traction enhancement.
“We improved a little bit with the new chassis in some areas. On traction, we didn’t improve yet, but the plan is to bring something completely different and a bigger step in Malaysia”.
The team’s progress exceeded internal expectations, though Quartararo maintains a measured outlook: “Yeah, I am quite happy, but we cannot reflect on today’s result. I think we have found our direction.”
A New Aero Package Takes Flight
Yamaha introduced major aerodynamic innovations on the M1 at the Barcelona test, marking a significant technical evolution for the Japanese manufacturer.
Revolutionary Aerodynamics
The M1’s front end features a distinctive triplane wing design that pushes the boundaries of MotoGP regulations. The new wing maintains maximum allowable dimensions while incorporating an increased chord length and gull-wing profile. The redesigned air intake system works in concert with the second spoiler element to optimize airflow management.
Fairing Refinements
Through wind tunnel testing, the engineering team developed a more hollowed-out fairing structure. This modification aims to reduce drag while maintaining stability. The integrated design connects seamlessly with the front wing assembly to create a cohesive aerodynamic package.
Performance Enhancements
The updated chassis delivers improved corner entry characteristics, though Alex Rins notes minimal braking improvements. The new engine specification provides increased straight-line speed and exit power but requires careful electronic management to control aggressive power delivery.
Fabio Quartararo confirms the chassis upgrades help with corner entry, while highlighting that exit grip remains an area needing improvement. He states: “Power and grip is the only thing I can ask for. In terms of grip we are really, really far”.
The team will continue development before the next test in Sepang, where Yamaha plans to introduce additional significant updates focused on traction enhancement. Team director Massimo Meregalli emphasizes validating these changes across multiple circuits before making final judgments.
Voices from the Paddock: Gathering Rider Feedback
Yamaha’s test riders provided detailed feedback on the M1’s upgrades during the Barcelona test, offering varied perspectives on the bike’s evolution.
Quartararo’s Assessment
Fabio Quartararo achieved the second position with a 1m 39.199s lap time, despite carrying an extra fuel load. The French rider noted improved corner entry characteristics with the new chassis but highlighted persistent issues with corner exit grip. “Power and grip is the only thing I can ask for. In terms of grip we are really, really far”.
Technical Insights
The new engine delivered increased straight-line speed while maintaining agility. However, Quartararo ran the test with 8-9kg of fuel rather than the typical 3kg qualifying setup, suggesting further potential for improvement.
Rins’ Perspective
Alex Rins identified specific challenges with the M1’s braking characteristics. The lack of rear tire contact under braking forced him to modify his riding style, leading to front tire degradation. He maintained greater corner speed with the new chassis but noted minimal improvement in braking performance.
The upgraded engine showed increased power but presented new challenges: “The bike was very aggressive in skidding a lot and we needed to adjust the electronics to use that engine”.
Team Analysis
Massimo Meregalli, team director, confirmed all three major updates – chassis, aerodynamics, and engine – provided positive feedback. The team plans to validate these improvements across multiple circuits, with significant updates scheduled for the Sepang test.
Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold for Yamaha?
The Barcelona test results show Yamaha has made measurable progress with the M1’s development, though significant work remains to challenge Ducati’s dominance.
Development Timeline
Yamaha will introduce major updates at the Sepang test in February 2025. The partnership with Pramac Racing doubles Yamaha’s presence on the grid, providing additional data points for faster development. The team will field four factory-spec bikes, enabling accelerated testing and validation of new components.
Technical Progress
The new engine specification delivers increased straight-line speed while maintaining agility. However, Alex Rins notes that power delivery requires electronic refinement to manage aggressive characteristics. The revised chassis improves corner entry performance but braking stability remains an area for development.
Regulatory Considerations
Yamaha retains development freedom under the 2025 engine freeze regulations due to its Rank D concession status. This advantage allows continued engine evolution while other manufacturers must maintain fixed specifications. The team can implement updates throughout 2025 and 2026, providing opportunities to close the performance gap.
Team Dynamics
Fabio Quartararo’s contract extension through 2026 demonstrates confidence in Yamaha’s recovery plan. The expanded technical partnership with Pramac includes future Moto2 collaboration, creating a development pipeline for riders and technology.
Team director Massimo Meregalli confirms that all three major updates—chassis, aerodynamics, and engine—received positive feedback in Barcelona. However, Quartararo emphasizes that corner exit performance and overall grip remain priority areas for improvement.