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MotoGP
2002 - Round 14 - Sepang - Yamaha - Set up report October 10th, 2002 - Sent to us by Marlboro Yamaha |
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MotoGP
2002 - Round 14 - Sepang - Yamaha - Set up report October 10th, 2002 - Sent to us by Marlboro Yamaha |
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Because of its hairpins, and numerous hard braking areas, a fast lap and
any hope of making a pass at the Sepang circuit comes down to braking
stability and the bike's turn-in characteristics. Two such areas include
the two long straights and hairpins that make up the final sequence of
the 5542m layout. The task is made a little easier for the suspension
technicians with the track surface boasting a high level of grip and few
bumps, but it is a venue that also offers challenging high-speed
sweepers - the first, diving down deep into a hollow before climbing
back out the other side for a 90 degree righthander. This has a tendency
to load up the front of the bike to the extreme. The other is a blind
lefthander that disappears over an undulating crest, which ensures that
keeping the back-end in line will be more challenging than it appears on
screen. It
means that the chassis' balance will be compromised, to a degree, to
ensure that the key areas of concern are catered for - such as the
braking stability and chassis agility. To help cater for both, the
centre of gravity will be moved slightly to offer better feel from the
front-end as the rider dives into the turn - increasing confidence and
therefore the rider's speed. While, the suspension balance will offer
braking stability by rising the front and lowering the rear. The front
fork springs will be slightly firmer, achieved with a higher spring
rate, with the bike's attitude controlled by the spring preload. As for
the rear shock, it will also carry a high spring rate, but it will still
be plush enough to offer the feel needed to get the power down hard and
predictably in conditions that can melt a rear tyre in a matter of laps.Both Checa and Biaggi will head to Malaysia with chassis combination used at the Motegi MotoGP the week before. The Spaniard has opted for two of the latest specification, while Biaggi will fight for his number two spot in the championship with one new unit and his preferred chassis. The latter is identical; chassis wise, to the two YZR-M1s the Gauloises Yamaha Tech 3 riders Olivier Jacque and Shinya Nakano will use to make their four-stroke debuts. And, time permitting, Checa and Biaggi may also test the latest rear swingarm offering initially pencilled in to make its debut in Japan. Being four-stroke mounted will prove to be a big advantage for the Tech 3 pair with the high humidity the biggest concern for the 500s - typical in this region during the month of October. This circuit requires a good, consistent and strong low to midrange power delivery, but the high humidity can actually deprive the two-strokes of around five percent of their full horsepower potential. The high air temperatures, which can cause the engine to run around 10-degrees Celsius hotter than normal, amplify this again robbing the bike of power. Wallpaper
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