The 2017 season will not have been exactly as expected by a Yamaha factory that had started well before breaking up and joining the ranks.
A frustration to Iwata all the more marked that during this time, the 2016 version of the M1 was delighted of the Tech3 satellite team in general and the experienced beginner Johann Zarco in particular.
Speaking to reporters, Tech3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal, said everything is not so simple. A version supported by Valentino Rossi is different.
“The last tests went well. We tried the 2016 chassis and we came to the conclusion that the 2017 version was less good.” Poncharal said.
“If it had been so easy, they would have quickly returned to the previous bike. I don’t know where they made a mistake, but it is not very fair to summarise the strong results of Johann Zarco with this argument.
“It always makes me laugh when people say that we had a better package than the one given to the official team drivers. They decided to return to 2016 in Valencia and following their logic, they should have been faster input that Johann.
“But that was not the case. We don’t have official motorcycles. And it also concerns the frame, the engine, the suspensions and the aerodynamics.” Poncharal added.
Johann Zarco and his boss Herve Poncharal. (Source:www.motorsport.com)
On the other hand, Poncharal knows his rookie rider Zarco will sooner or later seek a new contract for work. The Tech3 Yamaha rider glittered with three podiums, and he fought eye to aye with the stars of the factory teams.
“I don’t think he will be with us in 2019. Of course I expected good results because he showed in the Moto2 that he is an aggressive and intelligent rider. But he also surprised me. You never know exactly how it will be when a rider changes his class.” Poncharal said.
“Some need more time to adjust, like Tito Rabat. Others get along well, like Marc Marquez. That would be fantastic, but our team budget is significantly smaller than the salaries of the best or five MotoGP riders in the ground. It is logical that Johann seeks more money and full factory support.” the Frenchman added.
