Yamaha ‘not that worried’ about qualifying gap to Ducati

Yamaha have developed a new engine, brought improved aerodynamics and a new rear holeshot device to the table for the 2024 MotoGP season, and they’re performance at Sepang indicated a step forward.

That was true in several areas including race simulations, however, pace over one lap is still down on their rivals.

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Ducati were the stars of the show as Francesco Bagnaia finished fastest from Jorge Martin.

Both riders along with Enea Bastianini and Alex Marquez all broke into the 1m 56s barrier, something a rider from another brand could not do.

Highlighting the key changes to the M1 for 2024, Team Director Massimo Meregalli told MotoGP.com: “The main area that we worked on the most was the engine and aerodynamics and we also introduced a new rear holeshot device.

“All this has been confirmed and has been approved by all the riders. Cal [Crutchlow], Fabio [Quartararo] and Alex [Rins].

“The bike is a bit faster and the aerodynamics are helping the riders turn and the rear starting device is giving less wheelie and more acceleration.”

Fabio Quartararo was the fastest Yamaha rider on all three days and will be expected to lead their charge in 2024.

Alex Rins, who is now fully fit, got stronger as the test went on but the deficit to Ducati over one lap was very clear.

KTM and Aprilia also have an advantage over Yamaha which means achieving podiums is going to be very tough until they find the necessary improvements.

But Meregalli is not worried: “Now, if I have to pinpoint an area to improve it is qualifying.

“It’s true that there is still a gap that we have to close.

“We will have a lot of time to work on it this season to make it smaller and smaller. But we are not that worried.”