Will Yamaha's 2022 MotoGP title hopes hinge on a mindset?

By:

Lewis Duncan

Feb 10, 2022, 12:13 PM

Yamaha’s testing pace has not lived up to expectations so far, with progress on its engine development proving a disappointment to Fabio Quartararo. But the Frenchman's pressure-quelling mindset is a big positive that could prove an important factor in his MotoGP title defence

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MotoGP’s 2022 pre-season is underway, with two days of testing at the Sepang International Circuit in the books and three final days at the new Mandalika track in Indonesia this weekend still to come. Already, it looks like Yamaha’s and Fabio Quartararo’s title defence is off to a difficult start.

While Honda, Ducati and Suzuki have seemingly taken major steps forward with their challengers, the tone permeating Yamaha’s test was one of frustration. Quartararo came into 2022 unhappy with how the M1 had progressed – or hadn’t – in November’s two-day test at Jerez. Back then he told French media that he would not be signing anything with Yamaha for 2023 until he’d seen tangible progress in Malaysia. Well, that doesn’t seem to have happened – and, typically, thoughts have now turned to how this could impact the rider market this year.

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Lewis Duncan

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Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.