Photo: motogp.com
Yamaha updates the exhausts use for the two factory bikes it fields in MotoGP, but this weekend, it looks like only Jorge Lorenzo will be racing with the new silencers in the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen. There is no favoring the Spaniard over his Italian team mate Valentin Rossi, as some rumors seemed to have it. The reason is much simpler, if a bit funny: the team has received only three new cans, and this means that only one motorcycle can be fully equipped.
Since silencers are critical elements in the power deployment and management strategies of the bike mechanics, both the actual race bike, and the second, spare one must be identical. That is, after the four Free Practice sessions of each racing weekend, the same setup is being prepared for both machines, with changes usually occurring only in case the second bike must be equipped with rain tires. Even more, each rider is using both bikes prior to the race and having two different silencers would induce inconsistency in the riding style and performance.
Now, why has Yamaha decided to equip Lorenzo’s bike with the new Akrapovic can is still somewhat of a mystery. Some say this move was made to help level things out between Lorenzo and Rossi. With Rossi currently being the runner-up in the world standing with 117 points, following leader Marc Marquez who has an 175-point full house, certain fellows expected that Yamaha gave him the new silencers first. However, despite a slow start of the season, Lorenzo is getting very close to his top form and looks once more like the rider with the best chances to end Marquez’ winning streak.
The new Akrapovic silencer has a very modern look, with obvious design cues from the street-oriented cans. Frankly, the new shorter and thicker Akra exhaust makes the bike look sleeker and more beautiful, if not more aggressive, though it remains to be seen how much it will improve Yamaha’s performance. Assen is known to be a circuit which suits Yamaha machinery like a glove, but so far it was the satellite and Open-class bikes which have prevailed in the free practice runs. Oh, and Rossi will get his new Akrapovic cans in Sachsenring, as well!
Now, why has Yamaha decided to equip Lorenzo’s bike with the new Akrapovic can is still somewhat of a mystery. Some say this move was made to help level things out between Lorenzo and Rossi. With Rossi currently being the runner-up in the world standing with 117 points, following leader Marc Marquez who has an 175-point full house, certain fellows expected that Yamaha gave him the new silencers first. However, despite a slow start of the season, Lorenzo is getting very close to his top form and looks once more like the rider with the best chances to end Marquez’ winning streak.
The new Akrapovic silencer has a very modern look, with obvious design cues from the street-oriented cans. Frankly, the new shorter and thicker Akra exhaust makes the bike look sleeker and more beautiful, if not more aggressive, though it remains to be seen how much it will improve Yamaha’s performance. Assen is known to be a circuit which suits Yamaha machinery like a glove, but so far it was the satellite and Open-class bikes which have prevailed in the free practice runs. Oh, and Rossi will get his new Akrapovic cans in Sachsenring, as well!
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