Yamaha riders will have to wait until the Sepang tests kick off the pre-season next year for engine changes aimed at solving the problems that have plagued the 2018 season.

This was revealed by team manager Massimo Meregalli, interviewed by Dorna, and saying that the well-publicised problems with electronics “was not the only point” in their longest winless streak, brought to an end after 25 races by Vinales in last weekend’s Australian GP.

The engine character was also a problem, he said. “It will be smoother next year.

“With these [Michelin] tyres, you have to manage them, so the engine character is very important. By Sepang tests next year we should receive something that will solve the problem.”

Yamaha has not divulged any details as to the cause of the wheelspin that strikes particularly later in races, damaging acceleration; but it is common cause that the 2018 M1 engine has a light crankshaft, leading to abrupt throttle response mid-corner. With engine design frozen, they have been unable to make significant improvements.

Success at Phillip Island, Rossi has said, does not mean the problems are solved. The nature of the track, with fast corners leading into one another, favours the M1’s stronger points rather than relying on acceleration from low speed.

By Michael Scott

Photos GnG