Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Venture into Unknown Territory at the Indian GP

20-09-2023

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Venture into Unknown Territory at the Indian GP

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are full of motivation at the start of the Asian leg of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship. They kick off the busy period with a new addition to the MotoGP calendar: the Grand Prix of India, held at the Buddh International Circuit.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are excited to start the next challenge: for the Grand Prix of India they will be competing at a for the MotoGP paddock ’new circuit‘. Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are keen to get to grips with the Buddh International Circuit as fast as possible during Round 13 of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship.

As there are eight rounds coming up within 2.5 months‘ time, Quartararo has made sure he is physically and mentally in top shape. He currently holds 11th position in the championship standings and is aiming for solid points this weekend. The Frenchman is curious to see how quickly he can adapt to the Buddh International Circuit, as he is keen to put on a good show for the ’motorcycle-crazy‘ Indian fans.

After a one-week break, Morbidelli has recharged his batteries. The Italian is in 12th place in the championship standings and eager to make some steps this weekend. With his future in MotoGP secured, he is able to completely focus on the task ahead and getting good results. He aims to quickly find a good rhythm on the Friday, as that is vital to having a good weekend.

Though only added to the MotoGP calendar this year, the Buddh International Circuit was officially inaugurated on 18 October 2011. It‘s situated in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The current FIM track layout consists of 4.96km with 8 right and 5 left corners, noticeable changes in elevation, and a very long main straight of 1.006km. As none of the MotoGP riders have previous experience at this circuit on a premier-class bike, the fans can look forward to a level playing field as they start the Indian GP FP1 session on Friday morning.

Those who want a sneak preview of the Buddh International Circuit track layout can check out this week‘s MotoGP eSport video.

The Grand Prix of India is held in the GMT +5:30 time zone. An extended FP1 will take place on Friday from 11:15 - 12:25 local track time and an extra-long Practice session will be held from 15:30 - 16:40. On Saturday, FP2 is from 10:40 - 11:10, and the qualifying sessions from 11:20 - 12:00, followed by the Sprint starting at 15:30. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 11:10 - 11:20 and the Race starts at 15:30.

Fabio Quartararo

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

"We had a short break before we start the Asian GPs. It‘s nice that we get to go to a new place, experience a new culture, meet the Indian fans, and ride at a circuit I don‘t know yet. Looking at the layout, it seems like an interesting track, so we will see what we can do. We tried a lot of things at the Misano Test and there are a few things that we can try here too. We will do our best as always!"

Franco Morbidelli

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

"Now that it‘s official where I will be riding next year, it has given me the clarity needed to focus on the task ahead. I can now fully concentrate on what‘s happening on track and ride with nothing to lose. At the Misano Test, it was decided that I will stick with the same bike configuration as before, and I‘m interested to find out how that will run at the Buddh circuit. It‘s something new, so that‘s always interesting for riders and teams."

Massimo Meregalli

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Team Director

"Following the Catalan GP, San Marino GP, and the Misano Test, it was good to have a very quick break because we have a busy few months ahead of us. The team and riders will be away from home for an extended period of time in this final third of the 2023 season. This means stamina will be key. We kick off the overseas GPs with an exciting new track. Riding at the Buddh International Circuit is a new experience for all of us. It‘s always fun to get to know new tracks, and we are very curious to see how quickly we can adapt to this circuit‘s layout. We know that the Indian fans have waited a long time for MotoGP to come to their country, so we want to give them an enjoyable show."