Miller and Rins Express Optimism Over Yamaha’s V4 Engine Development for MotoGP’s Future

Valencia, Spain – As MotoGP teams gear up for the 2026 season under evolving regulations, significant attention has been drawn to Yamaha’s bold strategic shift from its traditional inline-four engine to a newly developed V4 configuration for the M1 motorcycle. Veteran MotoGP riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins have voiced their positive assessments of this developmental leap, suggesting that the V4 project holds considerable promise for the Japanese manufacturer.

Yamaha’s decision to overhaul its engine design marks a critical juncture in its effort to regain competitiveness in the premier motorcycle racing series. The inline-four engine has been a staple of Yamaha’s MotoGP efforts for years, but with the changing landscape of the sport, Yamaha has opted for a V4 architecture, aligning itself with the engine configuration favored by several of its main competitors, including Ducati and Honda.

The V4-powered M1 prototype made its initial public appearance during testing at the Valencia circuit in late November. Yamaha’s primary rider, Fabio Quartararo, recorded lap times that were approximately half a second slower than those set by Raul Fernandez on the Trackhouse Aprilia. Following the official test, Yamaha conducted a private session at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo to further accumulate data and refine the bike’s performance characteristics before the winter testing moratorium.

While Quartararo adopted a more reserved stance regarding the initial performance of the V4 engine, particularly after its debut at Misano, both Miller and Rins were notably optimistic about the potential benefits of this new direction for Yamaha’s racing program. Their comments suggest that the V4 engine has made significant strides in addressing some of the key limitations of the previous inline-four setup.

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Jack Miller, currently riding for the Pramac Racing team, conveyed his belief that the V4 engine already demonstrates encouraging pace, despite acknowledging that it remains a work in progress. "There’s potential. The potential’s obviously going to be bigger. We wouldn’t go with it if we didn’t think it was going to be bigger than what we got," Miller stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of the engine change.

Miller elaborated on the promising results from the Valencia test, noting that the V4 engine’s performance was noteworthy, especially considering the engine’s state of development. "A bit over half a second off already is a promising sign, considering the engine [being tuned down] and so on. But we’re pretty steady at the minute with the engine, so that was a decent time," he added.

However, Miller also pointed out areas that require further refinement, particularly concerning the bike’s electronics. "The electronics needed a lot of work. We’ve got to play around with just that sort of stuff. Just the same sort of stuff that I kind of did this year when I hopped on the M1 this time last year," he explained, drawing parallels to his own experiences adjusting to the Yamaha bike.

He specifically addressed the traction control system and fuel mapping as areas needing improvement. "The TC is not too bad. It’s just the way it works; getting the fuelling [engine maps] right, getting the bike running crisp, so it’s not spinning on the first touch and stuff like that," Miller detailed.

Alex Rins, who joined Yamaha, echoed Miller’s positive sentiments, highlighting the V4 engine’s impact on the bike’s braking performance. "The bike has slightly improved. They didn’t change anything in terms of gearbox or big items, but I felt better than in Misano," Rins stated, comparing the Valencia test to earlier evaluations at Misano.

Rins elaborated on the improvements in shift shock, a common issue with the previous engine configuration, particularly at the Valencia circuit. "The shift shock that we were struggling with quite a bit, especially at this track, is working better," he noted.

He further emphasized the advantages of the V4 engine in braking situations. "In braking, it is much better than the Inline 4. The problem with the four inline was that we were stopping the bike only with the front tyre. With this bike, we are able to use both tyres. And as soon as you brake, the bike goes a little bit sideways, and this is really helpful," Rins explained.

One of the established strengths of the current M1 bike is its predictable front-end feel, which allows riders to maintain higher corner speeds. Miller acknowledged that the V4 engine might require some adjustments to match this characteristic. "Obviously coming off the [inline-four] M1, which is a bike that’s got a remarkable front end, you’re always going to feel like you’re taking a back step in that sort of department," he said.

Despite this, Miller expressed confidence in Yamaha’s ability to address these issues. "But we’ve got a clear direction that we need to go. I can understand Augusto [Fernandez’s] frustration and lack of confidence in the front end. There’s some work that definitely needs to be done in that. But I believe once we’ve got a direction, which I think that [the] boys do, that’s going to be an easy solution," Miller added.

Rins identified traction as a primary area for improvement with the V4 prototype. "It’s true that we can pick up the bike better than the inline-four because it’s moving less [and there is] less shaking," Rins explained. "But picking up the bike like this, we are not able to find the traction. So it’s the main target."

He expressed anticipation for upcoming updates from Yamaha. "Leaving apart the speed, [an area] that Yamaha said they are coming with some updates in Sepang, I would like to improve the traction," Rins said, looking ahead to the Sepang tests.

Miller provided a comprehensive overview of the V4 engine’s characteristics, noting that it retains some of the DNA of the current M1 while incorporating elements from other manufacturers. "I think it has the Yamaha DNA about it," he said. "It has a little bit of a Honda/KTM kind of sound about it and a Ducati feel in terms of weight."

He further described the engine’s unique attributes. "But just in terms of the weight and the inertia that you get out of the engine, then it has its own sort of character in terms of the torque progression and the way the power comes on," Miller added.

Yamaha’s strategic shift to the V4 engine represents a significant investment in its MotoGP future. The company’s commitment to this new engine configuration underscores its determination to address the performance limitations of the inline-four and compete more effectively against its rivals.

The initial feedback from Miller and Rins is encouraging, indicating that the V4 engine has already made notable progress. However, further development is necessary to fully realize the engine’s potential and integrate it seamlessly into the M1 chassis.

The upcoming tests at Sepang will be crucial in evaluating the latest updates from Yamaha and refining the engine’s performance characteristics. The team’s ability to address the identified areas for improvement, such as traction and electronics, will be critical in determining its competitiveness in the 2026 season.

As MotoGP continues to evolve, Yamaha’s decision to embrace the V4 engine reflects a proactive approach to staying at the forefront of racing technology. The positive assessments from Miller and Rins provide a sense of optimism and anticipation for the future of Yamaha’s MotoGP program. The performance of the V4 engine in the upcoming season will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike, as Yamaha seeks to reassert its position as a leading force in the world of motorcycle racing.

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