Recently dethroned MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo tested not only a new engine specification but new aero parts as well. Note that the YZR-M1 has sprouted tail stabilization fins and aero pieces on the side of the prototype fairing that are camouflaged. Photo by Michael Gougis.
By Michael Gougis
The traditional post-Valencia MotoGP test typically sees new technology and developments on display, and there were plenty to see emerging from the garages on Tuesday morning and throughout the rest of the day.
It is highly unlikely that any of these machines are the final versions of what will be raced in 2023.
Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez said the chassis he is trying is Honda’s first step in a new direction to solve the machine’s braking issues. And KTM said it used this test to introduce a “modular” concept of testing that allowed the team to change one area of the bike without requiring the rest of the machine to be modified as well.
LCR Honda’s Alex Rins (42) with tail stabilization fins, new triple-element front wing and no ground effects ducting at bottom of fairing. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The RNF MotoGP Team Aprilia ridden by new recruit Miguel Oliveira. The bulged fairing lower is thicker in cross-section (as seen from the top) at the front and narrower at the rear. When the bike is at full lean, it is essentially an inverted wing form, creating downforce. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Ducati tried this unique fairing lower on the Prima Pramac machines ridden by Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin. Heavily camouflaged, the lower has no ventilation and no ducting. It appears to be a copy of the Aprilia fairing design. Apparently, Ducati wants to get experience with the concept first hand. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Marc Marquez tested a refined version of Honda’s ducting designed to remove high-pressure air from the fairing lower at maximum lean angle. Photo by Michael Gougis.
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