“I think this test will help him a lot on his move back to WorldSBK,” began Quartararo. Quartararo was also impressed with Nozane and commented on the Japanese rider’s potential going forward into the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season. Nozane got the opportunity to test the new YZR-M1 at the #QatarTest! /JniqEbwqCx awesome" :"Sure mate, do as many laps as you want" Nozane: "Hey Cal, can I try your bike? It's just. He did a good job on the M1 in MotoGP™, so for sure it will be a bit different going back to WorldSBK on the R1.” Nozane was improving day-by-day which is important as he is a young rider, but the M1 is very different to the R1. All of the Yamaha riders are really involved with each other to understand what they tried and what they are feeling. Viñales said: “I was able to talk to him. Nozane has seemingly impressed, with Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP riders Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo praising his efforts. Alongside Cal Crutchlow and Katsuyuki Nakasuga, the three riders had a choice of three bikes to try and develop ahead of the season, meaning they were busy. Joining the likes of reigning World Champion Joan Mir, nine-time Champion Valentino Rossi and Repsol Honda’s Pol Espargaro on track, Nozane was able to get crucial bike time amongst fast riders, as well as carrying out testing duties for Yamaha.
However, joining them on track has been Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and the Japanese sensation has had plenty of time on the YZR M1 Yamaha.
Whilst the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship gets ready for action, the MotoGP™ World Championship paddock are on track at the Losail International Circuit, with their first round just around the corner.