Quartararo: The real Yamaha is the one you saw in Qatar
Based on its circuit layout, Mandalika should provide Quartararo with a chance to reset following a poor start to his title defence nearly two weeks ago.
The newly-built Indonesian track has much shorter straights compared to Qatar, while the French rider was also extremely quick during last month’s three-day test - finished runner-up to Pol Espargaro by just +0.014s.
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The current world champion only managed ninth at the 2022 QatarGP after being beaten to the line by Pramac Ducati rider Johann Zarco, a result that was considerably worse than both his appearances at the Lusail International Circuit in 2021,
"It was tough. I was expecting much more from QatarGP," said Quartararo when speaking ahead of this weekend. "It’s true that we didn’t have these three days of testing and in the end we were missing grip.
"In the race we tried something and the front pressure was wrong. It was quite a difficult race, but you always learn from your tough moments.
"I feel like here we know (the direction). We were fast in the test, although testing is totally different from racing.
"So let’s see what we can achieve. What suits us better is to have shorter straights."
Although Yamaha are said to be bringing new parts over the next few rounds in order to try and improve their top speed woes, Quartararo has heard nothing of the sort.
Quartararo added: "Well the real Yamaha is the one you saw in Qatar. I mean I don’t think or have not heard about something new, so this is the real Yamaha.
"About the casing (new tyres for this weekend from Michelin) we have to wait and understand how we will go during this GP.
"I think this is a casing from 2018 so I’ve never rode with this casing and it will be important to see how it goes for us. I’m ready to fight and will give my all."
