Yamaha unveils new front wing at Barcelona MotoGP test.
Yamaha drew attention in Tuesday’s official MotoGP test in Barcelona when it unveiled a dramatically upgraded version of the M1.
As the Japanese manufacturer revealed, additional improvements have been made to the chassis, engine, and aerodynamics following some promising updates at the end of the season.
The most noticeable and macroscopic change was the redesigned front end, which included a full redesign of the wing used in the latter part of the season.
Once again, it’s a triplane element, but with a different centre of pressure. The goal is to increase front downforce with three parts that are more arched.
The cantilevered component of the main element is already at the maximum value allowed by MotoGP regulations, thus only the chord has changed, increasing to a gull-wing shape that is clearly accentuated.
Interestingly, the engine air intake, which was previously located on the second spoiler, now has two carbon supports that extend to the first element and serve as airflow carriers.
During their time in the wind tunnel, Yamaha engineers also worked to create a more efficient fairing, which is now hollowed out.
With the revised M1, factory rider Fabio Quartararo finished second in the Barcelona test, four tenths behind pacesetter Alex Marquez of Gresini Ducati.
Team director Massimo Meregalli described the test as a success, stating that Yamaha was able to exceed its own expectations because the findings supported the riders’ feedback.
The Japanese manufacturer was also able to acquire additional data from the Barcelona test, as Pramac began working as its new satellite team after concluding a two-decade partnership with Ducati.