According to Yamaha Test Rider Cal Crutchlow, speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, the Iwata factory are working harder than ever to make their 2023 package more competitive.
Crutchlow, who scored in four out of the six races he competed in at the end of last season, admits Yamaha have really upped their game in the last couple of seasons especially. 2022 – more so than ever – has shown a real step forward is needed with the YZR-M1 if 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Franco Morbidelli can take the fight to the European manufacturers, namely Ducati after their 2022 stunner, in 2023 and beyond.
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“Yamaha, no, I've never seen them work as hard. And they are working hard. Even last year, they were working hard with the testing,” said Crutchlow in an interview with Motorsport.com.
“It's great to see because I spoke to Fabio on the two days of my test [at Jerez before the Valencia GP] and told him what we're trying, and he said, 'at least they're bringing something whether it works or not'. And it's true, at least they are fired up to try things. Whether they work or not, that doesn't matter.”
Head over to Motorsport.com (link above) to read the full story. Crutchlow will be back in official testing action at the Sepang International Circuit in early February, where we’ll see the 2023 YZR-M1 in full flow.