Ahead of the pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit, Monster Energy Yamaha announced the line-up of riders competing in the 2022 MotoGP.
The Japanese factory team also showed off their vehicles this season. Like last year, this introductory session was held virtually or described in an online presentation.
In the 2022 Online Team Presentation video on the official Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP account, the first session was opened with an interview from Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Principal, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP. He explained that 2021 was a very great season.
"It's 2022 now and I'm really excited to start the season. We have a strong team and two great drivers. Returning to the top is beneficial for the team. Of course for the riders, all our sponsors, the Yamaha motorcycle group, this is a fantastic crown year in general," said Lin Jarvis.
After six years without a title, Yamaha finally succeeded in becoming world champions again in the 2021 season thanks to Fabio Quartararo. He managed to secure nine podiums, including four wins last year. And this was his first title with the factory squad that at that time replaced Valentino Rossi. In addition, Yamaha also finished second in the constructors' championship after Ducati.
Quartararo remains with the squad for the 2022 season after signing a two-year contract with Yamaha in early 2020. The French rider does not carry the number one plate this season, instead opting to use the #20 instead.
"We got the title last year, and that's good. Nobody can take that away from me, but on the first day of driving, nothing else matters. Last year's title race is behind us now, we have to focus on this year's championship. Last year we barely had any pre-season tests because of the pandemic. This year I already have a year of experience with the Factory Team, so we know how to work well together. We know our strengths and where we can improve, so that can help during the tests at Sepang and Mandalika."
Joining Quartararo in this year's factory Yamaha squad is the 2020 championship runner-up, Franco Morbidelli. He was brought in to replace Maverick Vinales, who opted out of the team a year earlier than planned.
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| MotoGP 2022: Monster Energy Yamaha |
"We already have some data to work with, and I'm already familiar with the bike and the team. I always have a good feeling on the Yamaha, but this M1 is very smooth. I can't wait to start riding the 2022 bike now because my knees are in better shape. The atmosphere in the team has also been very good since last year, so let's see what steps we can take during winter testing," said Franky.
Continuing the partnership with Monster Energy, Yamaha's new motorcycle decor is still identical to last season's. The livery attached has not changed much compared to last year's style. Still shades of blue, but the lines on the motor body look more prominent than the previous version. The logo of the main sponsor of Monster Energy is also still clearly displayed on the iron horses of Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli.
On the other hand, Yamaha also announced that Cal Crutchlow will remain its official test rider until the end of 2023.
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