autoevolution
 

2013 MotoGP: Is Yamaha Having a Problem with Engines?

Something is definitely happening in Yamaha's yard, and we're not exactly sure it's 100% good, as it seems like the factory riders are burning though their engine allocation a bit too aggressively.
Is Yamaha Having a Problem with Engines? 1 photo
Photo: MotoGP.com
Only 6 rounds in the 2013 season and with 12 more still to come, Yamaha has used the 4th engine of the total allocation of 5 for this year. The Tech 3 riders Cal Crutchlow and Bradley Smith are not faring any better in this respect, with Smith being in the bets position, on engine #3.

However, while the top 3 Yamaha riders and their teams have real reasons for being concerned, Smith's predicament is only not than bad, since we can't say his situation is alright, either.

The situation caused Yamaha to impose stricter engine use limits for the mechanical teams of all 4 riders, and this means they simply won't be able to push the engines to the limit. Even more, it looks like the mechanics will start juggling with older engines for FP, and swapping them for the newer ones in qualifying and the races.

With the Honda factory and satellite riders running on engines number 1 and 2, it looks like things are about to change soon this season, especially in case the new RC213V chassis offers better performance and Pedrosa and Marquez are going for it earlier.

We'll be on the look out for the matter. In case Yamaha can't find a solution, we might see Rossi unable to ride to his peak potential, and Lorenzo unable to properly defend his title. And that would really suck, since the 2013 season has been quite entertaining so far.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories