MotoGP, Vinales: “In Sepang testing a device for the start on the M1”

In MotoGP, details are everything and the right idea can make all the difference. In this sense, Ducati is second to none, with Gigi Dall’Igna often presenting unprecedented solutions that are often readily copied by the competition.

Last year, a strange switch on the triple clamp was introduced at the Sepang tests for the first time. What it was used for was only understood over time: it’s a system that allows you to lower and lock the rear suspension for better starting.

During the season Aprilia also worked on this front, Applying a similar system but on the front of the forks.

Now Yamaha will make its move, as revealed by Maverick Vinales in an interview with TMC Blog.

“For me we have to focus on the start to improve, which is very important because all Yamahas lose a lot of places at the start.” he explained. “We are working very hard in the factory, maybe to make a device for launch like other competitors or something new, and we will try it already in Malaysia.”

In fact, the M1 isn’t the most explosive bike when the lights go out, and in MotoGP you pay dearly for every lost position. That’s why the Japanese engineers don’t want to leave any stone unturned on the new bike, which has already undergone modifications to the engine and chassis.

Both Vinales and Rossi were able to test the M1 2020 prototype at the Valencia and Jerez tests ahead of the winter break and Maverick confirmed his positive opinion.

“For me, the motor and frame are already very similar to the 2019 bike, which is really good. We had never tried them on track but from the first laps the bike is similar and has a lot of potential.” he added.