Yamaha debuted a late-season aero-body update at Buriram, with a “not-wing” front biplane loop that exploits the lax interpretation of the “no-wing” rules in a way to rival even Ducati.

The attachment was fitted at first only to Rossi’s bike, with the same bodywork available to Vinales should it prove advantageous.

The Chang circuit puts a premium on anti-wheelie techniques in the same way as the Austrian Red Bull Ring, with three long straights preceded by low-gear corners, and a fourth straight with a similar approach.

Rossi, Thailand MotoGP 2018

By Michael Scott

Photos GnG