Yamaha's performance in the Australian MotoGP practice exceeded all predictions, with a standout showing from Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins. The riders secured direct access to Qualifying 2, finishing within the top six.
The Yamaha team's impressive start caught everyone by surprise, especially given the circuit's lower grip levels. Both Quartararo and Rins demonstrated remarkable race pace, clocking impressive lap times on used soft rear tires.
Team director Massimo Meregalli expressed delight, stating, "The team's performance has surpassed our initial expectations. We expected challenges, but our riders are confident and pushing hard." This unexpected success has the team eager to maintain their momentum into Saturday's race.
Quartararo, finishing fourth, was just a fraction behind Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez. He acknowledged the bike's issues but praised its pace, saying, "We faced some challenges, but our pace was excellent. We need minor adjustments to be truly competitive." He also acknowledged the speed of his rivals, setting up an intriguing battle for the top spots.
Alex Rins, a former Phillip Island winner, overcame a clutch issue to finish sixth. He was pleased with the bike's performance, but noted, "The Yamaha is performing well, but it's a bit more demanding compared to other bikes I've ridden here." This observation hints at an intriguing discussion on bike handling and rider preferences.
The Pramac Yamaha team faced a mixed day, with Jack Miller's impressive FP1 performance not translating to the afternoon session. This inconsistency adds another layer of intrigue to the race, leaving fans wondering which Yamaha riders will rise to the occasion.
