Yamaha World Superbike Team - Behind the Scenes

Part of the reason for the fuel relocation is that the space behind the airbox is taken up by the Magneti Marelli ECU and accompanying electronic hardware. Note the neat cam-type carbon airbox lid hinges, as well as the very serious fuel line componentry.

There's a mass of wiring up front underneath the instrument panel for both the Marelli and 2D datalogging equipment. Note the blue telescopic sensor mounted atop the electronically-controlled Öhlins steering damper; this helps to measure steering inputs made by the rider at various sections of the track.

An example of the more liberal World Superbike regulations is demonstrated by the location of the fuel tank on the Yamaha R1 World Superbikes, with the filler cap located at the tail end of the rider's seat. The fuel tank itself is located mostly underneath the seat, not up behind the airbox as with the stock R1.

Another example of high-level product support in World Championship racing is a Brembo technician discussing the brake pad wear and performance with Spies' mechanics during a pad change prior to qualifying.

Race kit swingarm is a far beefier piece than the stock unit. Note the usual trickery such as captured sprocket/axle holders for quick rear wheel changes, and tire temperature sensors (two small red boxes) to measure tire heat at different portions of the track. You can also see in this photo how the bulk of the aluminum fuel tank is directly underneath the seat.

This small blower easily attaches to the front-end stand and keeps air circulating through the radiator and engine compartment to speed the cooling process when the bike comes off the track.

In the back of the garage, rows of tires are mounted up on racks equipped with built-in adjustable tire warmer thermostats to heat each tire to an exact specified temperature. Note the spare engines sitting under covers to the right.

Midway through the first free practice on Saturday before the initial Superpole qualifying session begins, Spies checks the leaderboard on the race monitor to see his position before talking to Houseworth and Watt, who anxiously await his remarks on the bike's performance.