Barcelona Challenge: Can Yamaha Overcome Grip Issues and Revive performance?
Ahead of the Catalan Grand Prix at the Barcelona circuit, Yamaha faces a important challenge: low grip levels that historically plague the track, possibly exacerbating the team’s recent struggles. Yamaha factory team director Massimo Meregalli acknowledges the issue, stating, “Drivers reach some of the highest top speeds on the calendar [at Barcelona]. Sadly, the grip there has always been weak.” He adds the team has experienced inconsistent results, “generally good in the morning, but more elaborate in the afternoon with the heat,” and assures they are preparing thoroughly, aiming to “optimize our performance” despite it not being one of their strongest circuits.
However, this optimistic outlook contrasts with the sentiments of Yamaha’s riders. Fabio Quartararo admits, “It’s one of my favorite circuits. But we’re not coming here with the momentum we were hoping for,” expressing curiosity about potential improvements in grip this weekend and setting a realistic initial goal of a top 10 finish on Friday. Alex Rins echoes the need for solutions, stating, “We must work to find a solution to the problems we face,” and looks forward to utilizing the upcoming track time – beginning with the Barcelona race, his home GP – to gather data.
While the factory team expresses caution,satellite team Pramac Racing offers a more hopeful perspective. Director Gino Borsoi believes the circuit suits the Yamaha better than recent tracks, stating, “Last June we did a private test at Montmeló which went quite well, so we come here with a positive mindset.” He confidently predicts a more competitive weekend for the entire Yamaha camp, highlighting the strong track records of Pramac riders Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Oliveira, who won at Barcelona in 2021, acknowledges the bike’s limitations but feels the June test provides a confidence boost. Miller, who has three top-five finishes at the circuit, shares this sentiment, stating he’s “fully geared up to bounce back” after a difficult race in Hungary, and that the June test yielded “solid data.”
Yamaha’s performance will be closely watched, especially during the test session scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. French time, as the team attempts to address the grip concerns and regain competitive form.
