Rossi, Vinales 'approve' new Yamaha parts

Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli says that all of the new M1 parts tested at Misano this week were 'approved' by Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales and 'will most likely be used at the next race'.

Alongside the expected 2020 engine update, Yamaha brought a surprising array of other new pieces for potential use this season; the factory's first carbon fibre swingarm, a new aero cover on the upper part of the front wheel and a new exhaust (similar to Suzuki’s double system).

"Over the two days Vale and Maverick tried the new 2020 engine-spec, the new carbon fibre swingarm, the new Akrapovič exhaust, and we also worked on the aerobody," Meregalli confirmed.

"All those items have been approved by our riders and will most likely be used at the next race."

Both Rossi and Vinales were among the riders to push for a lap time on the extra-soft rear at the end of the day, Rossi vaulting from 13th to fourth and Vinales from 17th to sixth.

With Fabio Quartararo again fastest and Petronas Yamaha team-mate Franco Morbidelli in third, it meant all of the M1s were in the top six.

It was an encouraging outcome given the low-grip conditions present at the test, which have often been punishing for the Yamaha riders, plus last year's tough Misano race.

“We suffered some grip issues during the race here, so that was one of our targets for this test," Meregalli confirmed.

"We've not strayed from our plan and kept focused on maximising the race pace whilst preparing for the upcoming rounds. We will gather all the data to make further steps and are looking forward to the race here in Misano in two weeks' time.”

While none of the new parts provided the kind of jump in performance Rossi and Vinales are seeking to become regular victory challengers, they were a step in the right direction.

“First we tested the prototype of the 2020 bike, but after that we focused more on some new stuff that we can also use in the last part of the current season," Rossi said. "The test overall was not so bad because we improved the rear grip, the acceleration, and I feel good, and we are competitive.”

Asked about the new front-wheel cover, The Doctor claimed he didn’t know what it was for but "it's very beautiful, so we have to keep it!"

Vinales, who has now taken over from Rossi as the top Yamaha rider in the world championship, in fifth overall, had been downbeat after day one but was more positive following day two.

“We tried to work a lot for the race. We worked all the time on the set-up, especially to try to improve on the first laps of the race," he said.

"Today has been a bit more positive than yesterday, so I'm quite happy and pleased about the test. We especially improved in the hotter conditions.

"I've been riding a lot when the temperatures were higher, trying to do a race simulation, and my pace is quite good, so I'm actually really pleased with that.”

The Misano race will be held from September 13-15.