Augusto Fernandez says Yamaha is \u2018rebuilding\u2019 its chassis to recover the front-end performance lost with the current V4 MotoGP machine.<\/p>\n
Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez says the factory is working to regain the front-end feel of its Inline M1 with next year\u2019s 850cc machine.<\/p>\n
Although engine performance is widely regarded as the weakest area of Yamaha\u2019s new 1000cc V4, the bike has also lost the handling strengths of its Inline predecessor.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s something Yamaha is working hard to correct for next year\u2019s 850cc\/Pirelli machine.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, good,\u201d Augusto Fernandez said of the 850cc machine\u2019s progress after arriving for his latest 1000cc wildcard appearance at Silverstone.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe've been in Jerez last week, trying things, going forward with developing the bike.<\/p>\n
\u201cStill a long way to get the package ready for next year. But we're doing a great job there, and also here we'll be trying some things that are going to be useful for next year. Small details.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked where Yamaha had made the greatest progress, Fernandez replied:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are building the chassis, we are building everything, and trying to make it different from this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause, as you know, last year's bike was still a bit better in terms of chassis.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know the engine is our weak point, but also the chassis; we kind of lost a little bit of the performance of our chassis.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we are trying to recover the package on this point. And we're doing small steps forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked by Crash.net whether he feels the 850cc machine has more potential than the current 1000cc V4, Fernandez confirmed:<\/p>\n
The Spaniard\u2019s latest race appearance requires him to adapt back to Yamaha\u2019s current 1000cc machine, Michelin tyres and ride-height devices.<\/p>\n
\u201cSilverstone is a track that I like. I have some good memories from the past and I like to race, so it's good to be here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n