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Quartararo: Yamaha still too far from MotoGP rivals after 2024 test
Tuesday’s test in Valencia was the first true test of the 2024 season, with Maverick Vinales leading the way for Aprilia. Fabio Quartararo, on the other hand, finished 12th and was 0.769s off the pace, without doing a proper time attack run. Due to the new concession regulations, Quartararo will have three extra days of testing in February and will also be able to test and develop Yamaha’s engine during the season. Although Quartararo expected more from the test, he is willing to take on the extra testing role and work hard to improve. The gap between Yamaha and their competitors is still too big, but Quartararo hopes the extra testing days in Malaysia will help them get closer in Qatar. Quartararo praised the prototype aerodynamics and mentioned that the engine was a small step from what he tried in Misano. Yamaha has also changed their mentality to become more European-focused, which Quartararo believes will be crucial in improving the bike.
