Yamaha’s MotoGP riders, Fabio Quartararo and , are battling a recurring issue – arm pump – and they’re pointing the finger at the M1’s weight gain.
Quartararo’s Struggles:
- The Frenchman has a history with arm pump, most notably dropping from 1st to 13th at the 2021 Spanish GP.
- Despite praising Yamaha’s development efforts, Quartararo feels the bike’s increased weight, especially during cornering, is a major contributing factor.
- A dismal 18th-place finish at Mugello, following arm issues, prompted Quartararo to call for solutions.
- He denies his fitness is the culprit, highlighting two previous arm pump surgeries (2019 & 2021).
Yamaha Takes the Blame:
- Quartararo firmly believes Yamaha needs to address the M1’s handling and weight issues.
- He emphasizes that the lack of arm problems last year indicates a development misstep this season.
Rins Shares the Pain:
- Rins also suffered arm pump at Mugello, salvaging only a 15th-place finish.
- The physical demands of riding the current M1 left him dizzy after the race.
- Rins echoes Quartararo’s sentiment, blaming the bike’s handling for increased physical strain.
Looking Ahead:
Both riders are urging Yamaha to identify the root cause of the M1’s weight and handling issues to find a solution that combats arm pump and improves overall performance.
