MotoGP: The Tech from Testing

March 13, 2023 March 13, 2023

Yamaha

Perhaps the most visible piece of tech which we saw in preseason testing was from Yamaha. The Japanese manufacturer brought out a rear wing on the tail unit of Fabio Quartararo’s M1. The rear wing has sparked a lot of talk on social media, with it being much larger than the current ‘Stegosaurus’ aero which has been seen on the tail unit of all manufacturers.

One change which cannot be seen on the surface of the Yamaha M1 was an upgraded engine. The engine has seen some great improvements already, finishing the Portimao test less than four Km/h from the fastest bike.

Yamaha also brought multiple new aerodynamic packages, seen in both Sepang and Portimao. Franco Morbidelli ran the newest package, with a double wing set up on the side fairing.

Both Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo testing new fairings throughout the weekend Image credit: Monster Energy Yamaha

Honda

Honda continues to try and find a solution to their 2023 RC213V with Marc Marquez claiming that they are losing at least half a second a lap. HRC has brought the most parts throughout the preseason testing, proving their commitment.

Honda has brought the riders multiple new chassis over the course of testing, with the most recent chassis seen at the Portimao test. This chassis was very similar to what has been previously used at Sepang. However, it has a lot of material removed from the side of the chassis, to increase flex and grip.

Honda also brought a brand-new carbon clutch, with mixed reviews from the riders. Marc Marquez tested the clutch and struggled to get to grips when he practiced his starts. The carbon clutch will save weight on the bikes but was not seen on the LCR bikes at Portimao.

The cut-out of the chassis is located above the carbon clutch image credit: motogp.com

A new air intake and wings were spotted in Sepang with good feedback from the riders. Marquez was seen using the fairing once again at Portimao with added material to the edges to make it wider.

Rins, Bradl and Marquez were all seen using the ground effect side fairing which was seen multiple times during preseason testing. Honda was just one of the teams which have trialled and begun using this new concept, with the aim to help the rider when cornering.

With the addition of Sprint Races this season, MotoGP teams gave us the first look at the new Sprint Race fuel tanks. They are much smaller than the existing ‘normal’ fuel tanks, with teams able to move the position of the tank for better weight distribution.

Fuel tank comparison

LEFT: A standard fuel tank located under the Honda tail unit Image credit: motogp.com

RIGHT: A Sprint Race fuel tank with extra room underneath the Honda Image credit: motogp.com

Ducati

There were not many revolutionary ideas from the Ducati camp in pre-season testing, with the bike being an evolution from last season. Ducati was on the pace, topping every day of testing at Portimao, Sepang and Valencia.

A new triple clamp was spotted on Michele Pirro’s Ducati, during the test at Portimao. The new triple clamp was for data collecting and not something which we will likely see on a race weekend.

The triple clamp on the Ducati is so big that you cannot see the top of the forks Image credit: motogp.com

Ducati also tested a new wingnut on their left handlebar, instead of the previous two wingnuts on the triple clamp. These are used to activate the front and rear hole shot devices on the motorcycle.

Throughout the three Official MotoGP Tests, Ducati began to test a new fairing which is much smaller than the GP22 variant.

Aprilia

Aprilia tested multiple aerodynamic setups over the course of the preseason tests, with some that could be ground-breaking if successful. Smaller wings were seen on both of the factory Aprilia’s. Aleix Espargaro reverted to the previous 2022 wings at the final test at Portimao, confirming his preferance.

On the front of the motorcycle, Aprilia continued to innovate with winglets on the front suspension, on the fork legs. These wings are angled towards the front radiator, which should help with cooling and provide a minor aero advantage.

On the swingarm of the Aprilia, a small piece of carbon fibre was seen hanging off the side of the swingarm. This is most likely to help direct the airflow at the rear of the bike.

The added piece of aero can be seen near the sprocket of the Aprilia Image credit: motogp.com

KTM and GASGAS

KTM and GASGAS have tested multiple fairings throughout their preseason tests, first seen with Dani Pedrosa. At the team launch, KTM also made the addition to their test team, with Jonas Folger joining KTM as a test rider.

The Austrian manufactures most visible change of the off-season was a new exhaust system on their bike. This exhaust system was much longer than the previous version, which should help with power output and top speed.

KTM and GASGAS have been experimenting with the aerodynamics of the RC16. Most recently Pol Espargaro tested the RC16, using both the new fairing and the ground effect side fairing.