The Valencia Test is like a fascinating game of poker. Now that track time is more valuable than ever, manufacturers must maximize the 2023 challengers they design in only one day.
However, they are playing their cards close to the vest so that they might surprise their opponents in the spring.
Valencia
Nonetheless, a lot of information was revealed on Tuesday at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, and we’re going to examine the new technological developments and assess their significance for each manufacturer.
YAMAHA
Since Fabio Quartararo signed a two-year contract extension, the buzz at Yamaha has been about how much faster the 2023 Yamaha M1 will be. The issue would be solved by a new engine that Cal Crutchlow had tested extensively at Jerez, Aragon, and Motegi. Quartararo having tried it out personally at the Misano Test and before that in Barcelona, where he could feel the added power. To everyone’s surprise, Quartararo teammate Franco Morbidelli didn’t notice any change in Valencia.
A new chassis and a handful of different aerodynamic packages were also visible. One in particular reminded me a lot of the aero KTM that was utilized this year, which was really based on a concept that was stolen from Ducati. If Yamaha’s new engine can eventually start singing, the considerably bigger wings would naturally provide additional downforce.
HONDA
As would be expected, Honda brought a plethora of experimental products to the Valencia show. Surprisingly, none of them worked. Marc Marquez, an eight-time World Champion, gave a scathing review of the HRC 2023 prototype, saying it is not a motorbike that can win a World Championship.
The RC213V had its tail unit and exhaust system redesigned from the ground up, as well as its aero package, air intake, and most likely engine, in the hopes that it would give Marquez a better feel for the front of the bike. That sacrificed rear grip as well.
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DUCATI
Ducati has learnt from their preseason horror in preparation for the 2022 season. Davide Tardozzi, the team’s leader, has stated that they have a new engine and that they are hoping this will solve the power delivery problems that plagued Jorge Martin, Johann Zarco, and Luca Marini of Prima Pramac Racing, Mooney VR46, and the Mooney VF22 all of 2022.
A redesigned chassis and an improved aerodynamics package, including a side fairing in the “Aprilia style,” were also seen during testing.
KTM
The next year will be crucial for the Austrian manufacturer as they want to cement themselves as a leading premier class squad. Their 2023 machine seems to be an excellent step forward after a season spent repairing and refining their efforts.
The major elements in this dramatic shift in handling are the completely reworked rear end and the new chassis. It was also obvious that KTM had installed a new aerodynamic package, though this likely won’t be their final setup for the season opener. Francesco Guidotti, the team’s manager, has said that the orange brand would spend a lot of time in the wind tunnel this winter, in addition to working more closely with Red Bull’s Formula One team.
APRILIA
It seems like Aprilia had a busy day, releasing a new swingarm, a new chassis, an upgraded engine, and updated electronics. But Aleix Espargaro told the Spanish network DAZN that the Valencia Test was a “wasted chance” for the Noale team, thus he thought it wasn’t enough.
