Yamaha At A Disadvantage For 2016 MotoGP Championship

Movistar Yamaha Team won the constructors title in 2015 MotoGP Championship. Jorge Lorenzo won the riders Championship on board Yamaha's factory machine. Teammate Valentino Rossi was also in title contention and finished a few points adrift in 2015.

Unfortunately, the intense battle between the two riders throughout the season has put the team at a disadvantage. Due to the constant battle, Yamaha has not been able to test for the 2016 MotoGP Championship. Several changes have been made for next year and Yamaha believes they could be at a small disadvantage.

The 2016 MotoGP Championship will have a new tyre supplier in the form of Michelin. Previously, Bridgestone was providing tyres to the entire MotoGP paddock. Both Michelin and Bridgestone are very different tyres in terms of grip. The Bridgestone tyre had excellent front-end grip, however, it is exactly opposite with Michelin as the rear offers better grip.

MotoGP also will provide all teams with a common ECU system. The change is expected to reset all teams and level the playing field for a competitive 2016 Championship. Compared to Yamaha, Ducati seems like they have hardly lost any performance.

The Yamaha Factory Racing Team witnessed a 0.5 second slower pace compared to what was set in 2015. Rossi and Lorenzo skipped several tests with Michelin tyre during the season. The few occasions when the duo tested the Michelin tyres did not have a good outing and had a few crashes.

The major concern for Yamaha is the Michelin tyres which are not at all similar to Bridgestone. Both Rossi and Lorenzo will have to adapt their riding style according to the new tyres. Michelin tyres offer a different benefit and both riders are yet to find their limit with these new tyres.