While Ducati and Honda are forging ahead with testing their new 1000cc 2012 MotoGP race bikes, Yamaha has decided to postpone its planned test for the new 2012 YZR-M1 MotoGP race bike.
While Stoner has been very optimistic with the new 1000cc Honda prototype bike, saying that the bike has a much stronger top end, "still pushing and still spinning," where the current 800cc bike runs out of breath, it will be interesting to see how the Yamaha prototype fares.
As it stands however, that might not be until the third week of August.
Yamaha says that the reason for postponing the Mugello test of the 2012 YZR-M1 racer is to "...allow for further time for the development of the bike," which could be code for 'it's not fast/grippy enough'.
From a fans point of view, it would make sense for Yamaha to get everything exactly right so it can take on Honda head on in 2012 without having to worry about being trumped on the longer straights, something the Honda's have done with ease at some races this year.
Perhaps Yamaha has developed a new innovation that will take longer to implement than first thought? So long as any potential technology breakthroughs trickle down its road bikes, we'll be happy.
Yamaha issued a short press statement that reads: "Yamaha Factory Racing has made the decision to re-schedule the planned Mugello 1000cc test for the 2012 bike.
"The new plan foresees Yamaha’s 2012 1000cc prototype tested by Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies following the Czech Republic round of the MotoGP World Championship at the Brno circuit."
The Czech grand prix takes place on August 14, so it's likely that testing - and some comments from the riders - of the new Yamaha YZR-M1 race bike will take place the following week.
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