Yamaha caught the attention of other teams during the Barcelona test by unveiling their new version of the M1.

The Japanese manufacturer introduced major upgrades to the bike’s chassis, engine, and aerodynamics, building on the promising developments shown at the end of the previous season.

The most notable and visible modification was the redesigned front end, highlighted by a completely overhauled wing concept that had been trialed in the latter part of the season.

Once again featuring a triplane design, the wing remains at the maximum allowable size under the regulations, but Yamaha has increased the chord length, creating a distinctive gull-wing profile. This new shape is evident in the updated M1, boasting a more pronounced and protruding three-element front wing compared to the 2024 bike. Additionally, the engine air intake, previously supported by the second spoiler, has been redesigned to enhance airflow management.

In the wind tunnel, Yamaha engineers also focused on refining the bike’s aerodynamics, developing a fairing design that is now more hollowed out for improved efficiency.

With the updated M1, factory rider Fabio Quartararo delivered an impressive performance, finishing second in the Barcelona test.

Team director Massimo Meregalli called the test a success, noting that Yamaha exceeded its own expectations, with rider feedback aligning closely with the results on track.

Yamaha also benefited from additional data collected during the test, as Pramac Racing began its new role as Yamaha’s satellite team, following the conclusion of its two-decade partnership with Ducati.