Sepang Exam 2023
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli have just one sleep left before they head back aboard their YZR-M1 for the first official IRTA MotoGP test day of 2023.
They intend to work tirelessly during the official MotoGP Sepang Test, which will be held from February 10-12.
Massimo Meregalli – Group Director
“It was a longer winter break than usual. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we are happy to be back on the track. We had a fun atmosphere in the garage after the Shakedown Test. It’s a pity the rain took our time, so we’re hoping for completely dry days during the upcoming exam to pass all the exam categories, although the weather forecast for this weekend doesn’t. be good.
“I am very impressed with the active work done by the Yamaha engineers during the winter: we have much to appreciate here. The number of items they prepared for this test was really huge! We have updated chassis, aerodynamics, swingarm and engine.
“I expect Friday morning to be used to get the racers back up to speed after three months of not running. Then they have an intense work schedule. It will be difficult to get it all done, as the amount of time and tires available to us as well as the weather conditions play an important role. But we’ll try to get as much done as we can to start 2023 on the right track.”
Quartararo has not been idle throughout the season. Before coming to Sepang International Circuit, he was always busy with promotional activities as well as training sessions around the clock. The French player is feeling at his best and determined to make 2023 his year. Positive Sepang Shakedown Test results and feedback from Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider, put El Diablo in the competitive mindset right away.
Fabio Quartararo
“The wait is over! This winter break has been very long, but in a way it’s been good for me because it gives me time to practice and prepare for the upcoming season. It will be a long time – we know this. We need to do our best in this test to make sure we’re ready for it. I’m excited to try the 2023 spec and see what progress we’ve made. I got to Sepang a little earlier and spent some time at the track during the Shakedown Test. I’ve heard and seen positive things, so I can’t wait to try it for myself.”
Morbidelli arrives in Malaysia delighted to be reunited with his crew and bike. He continues to be busy training during the winter break, both on and off the track, to ensure that he will be able to run successfully in the first test of 2023. Well aware of the importance of the three. With race day coming up and the large number of items on his list, Franco is eager to get to work. Besides studying his feel with the new YZR-M1 bike, he will do multiple laps to collect as much data as possible for Yamaha’s engineers.
Franco Morbidelli
“We are finally back together as a crew. This quiz is a fresh start and you can feel the excitement. Shakedown testing went well, so there was a positive atmosphere in our group. In the upcoming test, I aim to show a good level of performance. We improved at the end of 2022 and now it’s time to build on that and take the next steps. We have a lot to check out over the next three days. We will work hard, as always, to get off to a good start to the 2023 pre-season.“
