Yamaha gives M1 technical presentation

Yamaha gave its annual MotoGP technical presentation on Friday evening at Valencia.

Here are some of the key points:

o The new 1000cc YZR-M1 had a longer wheelbase, with weight distribution moved more forwards relative to the previous 800cc machine.
o Wheelie control, Traction control and Slide Control were all refined to iron out 'dips' present in the 800cc acceleration curve.
o The average maximum speed increase relative to the 800cc was 11km/h, over the first 14 rounds.
o 'In general lap times were faster in 2012 due to the higher speed, although braking time was longer'. In the example of Motegi, the top speed of the 2012 M1 was 12km/h higher, but that also meant a braking point 17m earlier than in 2011.

The YZR-M1 won the 2012 MotoGP title with Jorge Lorenzo at the penultimate Phillip Island round.

Yamaha has taken six wins from the 17 events so far, all by Lorenzo, with an M1 on the podium at every event.