MotoGP Catalunya test: 2015 engine hard to control

Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi tested a 2015-spec YZR-M1 engine which he says develops more power but that extra pace is at the top end and difficult to control.

By David Miller

Image by Tony Goldsmith

Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi tested a 2015-spec YZR-M1 engine which he says develops more power but that extra pace is at the top end and difficult to control. The Doctor began by trying a new exhaust system on the current engine, which he says makes a small difference to the power at the bottom of the rev range and he added they may use it at Assen in a fortnight. We have important stuff to try today, especially the new pipes as we can take them to the next races. Not a big difference but not so bad so maybe we can use in Assen. It is better control with the throttle from the bottom which is important, the connection is good. The rest is the same but sounds more deep, said Rossi, speaking at the track. After we start to work for next year as we have a different engine that is good, more power, but the bike become more difficult to control. It have more power at the top but the bike move a bit more. We have a small advantage but you have to fight more with the bike. We also work to improve the engine braking and also the front tyre for Bridgestone, which is good. All the riders were asked to try the Formula One layout earlier in the session which converts the beautiful turn nine into an extra right and left before it joins the track again before turn ten. I don’t try that corner this morning because I don’t want to try. I try already in a Formula One car and I don’t like. Is shit compared to the classic race corner of turn nine. There is not enough run off area but my idea is to continue with the normal track, said Rossi. - See more at: http://www.bikesportnews.com/news-detail.cfm?newstitle=MotoGP-Catalunya-test:-2015-engine-%E2%80%98hard-to-control%E2%80%99---Rossi&newsid=12204#sthash.jq5vZBFF.dpuf