The recent US MotoGP weekend at COTA has left Yamaha riders feeling exposed, with Pramac's Jack Miller describing the experience as akin to being a "lamb to slaughter" on the 1.2km back straight. Miller's average top speed was 10km/h slower than Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi, resulting in a 14th-place finish, the second-best Yamaha behind Fabio Quartararo. The Australian rider's struggle was further highlighted by his inability to keep up with KTM's Brad Binder and VR46 Ducati's Franco Morbidelli in the closing laps.
Despite the challenging race, Miller remains optimistic, acknowledging that the team is working on improvements. He mentions potential upgrades for the next round at Jerez, aiming to be more competitive and improve as the season progresses. Miller's season-best fifth place at COTA last year adds a layer of complexity to his current situation, as he seeks his first points of the year.
The Yamaha team's struggle is not limited to Miller. Both riders showed pace to stay close to the top ten, but all four Yamahas finished over 25 seconds behind the Grand Prix winner, Bezzecchi. Pramac team director Gino Borsoi expressed satisfaction with the riders' pace maintenance over 20 laps, but also emphasized the need for continued hard work and development.
The Yamaha team's challenges are not new, with chronic rear grip issues plaguing them in previous rounds. However, the team is making progress, as evidenced by their reduced gap compared to the first races. Miller's focus on understanding the bike better and building a clearer direction for the future is a positive step towards improvement.
In the context of the broader MotoGP landscape, the Yamaha team's struggles raise questions about the competitiveness of the V4 engine. With Suzuki's exit and Marc Marquez's injury issues, the team faces an uphill battle to keep up with the leading manufacturers. The team's ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in their quest for better results.
In conclusion, the COTA race has highlighted the Yamaha team's challenges, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. Miller's optimism and the team's focus on development bode well for the future, as they strive to overcome their current struggles and compete at the front of the pack.
