Yamaha’s Winglets – The MotoGP Commission changed its rules and from 2017 it will ban the use aerodynamic winglets. However, in last Sepang test, the Yamaha of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales had a first solution to overcome the ban. On the inside of the hull of the M1, we noticed two small Yamaha’s winglets that surely others constructors will before the Qatar GP.
Danny Aldridge, MotoGP Technical Director, is the only one to judge whether the new winglets will conform to the new specifications that forbid “devices or shapes protruding from the fairing and not incorporated into the aerodynamic body. Such as wings, fins, bumps, etc., that can offer an aerodynamic effect.”
The Yamaha’s winglets are legal
“When we discussed the new rules for this year, we had two primary options.” explains Danny Aldridge, technical director of MotoGP. “The first was to be very strict, very limited, with dimensions of the fairing. So, we had bikes that all looked the same. But we didn’t want. Especially the constructors did not want. So, we chose the second option. We apply the regulations very freely, allowing us to test what is right from what is not.”
The Yamaha’s winglets are legal. Because the MotoGP regulation says “no to the bulges” and the curve is continuous with a similar range from top to bottom. “There’s no real change in the angle of the curve. It is perfect in terms of safety.” adds Danny Aldridge. “And for all there was no problem. What we do not have parts that protrude with 90 ° corners or with any sudden changes of radius.”
“I’m surprised. Because Yamaha has shown a new hull so soon”
Aldridge discussed the regulation with the Msma. However, the manufacturers could adopt different aerodynamic solutions within the hull, allowing them to develop the kind of things we saw on the Yamaha. “I’m surprised that Yamaha shows the new hull so soon.” said Danny Aldridge, technical director of MotoGP. “Obviously, we have already discussed, from Valencia and already before. So, I knew what was going to happen. We discussed it for a while and I’m glad the new design conforms to the specifications of the regulation. I’m surprised. Because Yamaha has shown a new hull so soon. However, of course, they need to test it and having been the first can get more data than the other.“
