Yamaha's 2017 MotoGP design will not be the mooted revolution
Yamaha's 2017 MotoGP bike will not herald a radical shift in philosophy, despite previous suggestions the new YZR-M1 would be a 'revolution'
Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha's technical director, said at the end of 2016 that the firm was slightly behind schedule with the development of its '17 prototype because it would be a "revolutionary" bike.
But a high-level source within the team has suggested the new machine - to be unveiled at title sponsor Movistar's headquarters in Madrid on Thursday - will not be as dramatic a step as had been hinted.
Only the engine is a completely new design for 2017, with the rest of the bike based on its predecessor.
"In the end, if you are not coming from a very serious problem, what the factory does is change a lot of things but without modifying the bike's philosophy," a senior Yamaha source told Autosport's sister title Motorsport.com.
"The base of the 2017 bike is the same as in 2016, with a different chassis, a different swing-arm, a different engine, different suspension and everything different - but without ruining the philosophy of the 2016 bike."
Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo were beaten to the 2016 title by Honda's Marc Marquez.
But the Yamaha was widely considered the stronger bike, with some early-season engine failures among its only weaknesses.
The source added: "At Valencia [in the post-season test], a few new things were tested, but it wasn't the final 2017 bike and it wasn't the one we'll see at Sepang.
"There, we'll have a prototype based on all the 2016 data, plus the data gathered in Valencia and Sepang [where Yamaha tested privately in November].
"But I'm sure the bike will continue to change after the remaining pre-season tests."
With Lorenzo having left for Ducati, ex-Suzuki rider Maverick Vinales has joined Rossi in Yamaha's 2017 line-up.
Previous article
Silverstone's Derek Warwick hopes Circuit of Wales is never built
Next article
Yamaha 2017 MotoGP bike launched with Rossi and Vinales
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
How Ducati has developed MotoGP's most versatile bike
His third place at Misano made Enea Bastianini the fifth different Ducati-mounted rider to score a podium in 2021. Amid a season that has seen one rider amass the bulk of Yamaha and Honda's success, the Ducati's versatility makes for a potent weapon, but the contribution of a former leading light shouldn't be forgotten
The next steps in the rebuilding of a stalled MotoGP career
Maverick Vinales’ early debut with Aprilia has been one of the most interesting plots of the recent MotoGP rounds. The results may not look standout on paper, but a closer inspection reveals just how much progress Vinales has truly made in understanding a bike that has taken him well out of his “comfort zone”
How ‘El Diablo’ and ‘the Beast’ starred in MotoGP’s Misano contest
On a day each of the podium trio could claim to be the star of the show, the San Marino Grand Prix will be remembered as a pivotal race in both MotoGP’s present and future. While Fabio Quartararo demonstrated his world title credentials just behind Francesco Bagnaia’s flawless victory charge, a new threat emerged from the shadows
How Ducati’s Aragon MotoGP win harks to its past and its future
Duelling against Marc Marquez at the Aragon Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia came out on top to secure a long overdue MotoGP victory. As Marquez likened Bagnaia to a Ducati title contender of old, it appears the Italian rider could finally start to fight for wins on a more regular basis
Why Dovizioso is more of a temporary fix than a Yamaha gamble
OPINION: The return of Andrea Dovizioso to the grid at Misano will be an interesting subplot to the remainder of the 2021 MotoGP season. But the circumstances that have led to the former Ducati rider ending his sabbatical point to his signing being one more of convenience than a long-term commitment
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
OPINION: The 2021 British Grand Prix was a historic day for MotoGP. At the centre of it was Aleix Espargaro on the Aprilia after securing its first podium in the modern MotoGP era. It was something of a full-circle moment that highlighted just how far MotoGP has come in the last decade
Why Silverstone should be regarded as MotoGP's rightful UK home
OPINION: Many of the UK’s MotoGP fans would prefer Donington Park to host the British GP beyond the expiry of Silverstone's current deal. But the circuit's fast, flowing circuit provides the best racing and should be regarded as its best bet for the foreseeable future
How MotoGP's record smasher is facing his toughest challenge
The 2020 MotoGP season was an utterly enthralling affair, but few would argue with you if thought it the world championship was a poorer place without its biggest star Marc Marquez. In an exclusive interview, he explains the challenges he's faced in his comeback from injury and what he makes of the current MotoGP landscape
