As the Fiat Yamaha squad, plus Valentino Rossi, prepare for defending the Italian’s title in this season’s MotoGP World Championship.  Rossi's team Manager Davide Brivio comments on Rossi's M1 that he will be racing this 2010 season.

Speaking at the second official test at Sepang, Brivio explains, “It’s a little bit different compared to the 2009 machine, starting with the front cowling. Yamaha worked on the aerodynamics of this new bike, in order to improve the performances and top speed, and also the cooling. Here at Sepang is a very good place to test because the temperature is very high and we can see if this has a good effect. We actually tested it last time and it was good, so this will be the final spec of the cowling for 2010.”

Discussing the new technical regulations that incporporates a maximum of six engines per racer, Brivio adds, “Another important area where we worked on this bike is the engine. Because the regulations this year mean everyone must only use a maximum of six engines, we had to improve the durability and reliability of the engine because they have to last much longer. The difficulty has been finding durability without losing performance. We already had some good results, because in lower rpm and middle rpm our engine is better than 2009, and we haven’t lose any top speed so far.”

The frame of the bike also receives some concern, as Brivio describes the task of modifications without loss of performance.

“We’re also working a lot on the chassis, trying to find a different rigidity balance in order to improve the grip on the tyre, without losing too much on the engine. So we have to find the best compromise between gaining the grip and maintaining the good characteristics of the bike,” says Brivio, before concluding. “The last area where we are working is the electronics, which is still improving test by test.”