Yamaha might “underplay” their ambition for the early MotoGP rounds of 2025, it has been suggested.

The Jap𝄹anese manufacturer who have struggled f🐓or the past three years were unexpected stars of preseason testing in Sepang.

Fabio Quartararo topped the timesheets at the first test, and although they slipꦏped further back in Burira🙈m, it has raised expectations for the new season.

“They were the factory that everyone was speaking about, as a result of their perജformances in Sepang,” 🌼Dorna’s Jack Appleyard reported in Buriram.

“Things have plateaued. The steps they’ve taken are still there, sti🙈ll evident. But this is more realistic.”

Yamaha boss underplaying expectation?

“I spoke to Maio Meregalli,” Jack Appleyard said. “He saidꦿ ‘I don’t mind that things have calmed down a bit because we don’t want to go into the year with everyone thinking we can fight for the championship’.

“I asked if it was realistic, in the e♏arly part of the year, to see them competing for top fives. He felt it was a step too far🌄.

“But it’s common for managers to underplay their expectationꦚs. It’s difficult. Yamaha are 𓂃tough to judge.

“They have ta🅠ken a positive step and podiums could be on the cards this year.

“For the first few rounds, in the firs𒆙t 15 minutes of practice, Q1 and Q2, it will 𝔍be red hot.

“There wilꦑl be minu💛te margins because all five factories have worked out how to piece one lap together.”

The addition of Meregalli as Yamaha 🍰technic൲al director was always seen as a major boost to their hopes of creeping nearer the front.

Yamaha have also added Pramacꦡ as a satellite team this year, doubling their quantity of bikes, riders and data on the grid.

Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira are the duo - with experience 🔜of Honda, Ducati, KTM and Aprilia - signed up to Pramac who can help develop the Yamaha.