Yamaha starts V4 motor test: is the big departure now?

Yamaha starts V4 motor test: is the big departure now?

yamaha presented the new V4 engine. Test driver Augusto Fernández and the experienced Andrea Dovizioso worked intensively on this further development of the Yamaha-M1, which was previously equipped with an inline 4 engine. The new V4 engine, on the development of which Lin Jarvis, former Yamaha-Motor-Racing boss, already indicated in September 2022, is said to be a technical answer to the dominating V-Maschinen in the MotoGP field. Yamaha is currently the only manufacturer in competition with a row four -cylinder after Suzuki 2022 leaked out of the MotoGP. The step to a V4 engine is understood as preparation for the new regulations 2027.

The V4 engine offers some advantages, such as faster acceleration from curves and a higher peak performance, which results from a shorter and lighter crankshaft. In a previous test in Valencia in April 2023, the first V4 Yamaha-M1 drove for the first time on a route, which is considered promising for the further phases of development. In the current test in Barcelona, ​​the V4 configuration was further refined, while the Pramac satellite drivers Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira are still traditionally traveling with the inline four-cylinder.

The way to the V4 era

Yamaha's development of the V4 engine prints on the need to close the gap to other manufacturers who have dominated the competition since the introduction of the V4 engines. From 2023, all other manufacturers have relied on V4 technology and the last victories were reserved exclusively to the V4 engines. The last victory of an inline four engine dates back to 2022 and was won by Alex Rins on a Suzuki. Yamaha strives to enter the V4 era in 2026 and thus be well equipped for the new challenges from 2027.

The development of the V4 engine is currently on constant progress, as the statements of Max Bartolini, technical director at Yamaha, are currently showing. He reports on positive test results in Sepang, where new parts brought improvements. Nevertheless, Yamaha is in the last place in the constructor evaluation of the current 2025 season. Although there is progress, especially in qualifying, where Fabio Quartararo achieved a third place in Katar, quartararo warns for caution. The grip conditions in Sepang could have deceived the audience in terms of the actual performance of the motorcycles.

Regular tests and future prospects

Yamaha plans to carry out test drives regularly, at least twice a month on various routes such as Valencia, Misano and Jerez. This is particularly important because a new construction of the motorcycle for the development of the V4 engine is incessant. The approach also includes that the new team of customers actively contributes to development by providing data and feedback from the driver. Bartolini emphasizes the need for patience to close the currently existing gap to Ducati and states that there are no specific targets for results.

Overall, Yamaha remains optimistic that the new V4 engine will play a key role in increasing performance in the MotoGP and remaining competitive. The next challenge will be the Spain GP in Jerez, and the eyes of the Motorfans are looking forward to the progress in the upcoming race and the continuous development process of Yamaha.

For more information on this topic, see: OE24 , Motogp and Motorsport magazine .