Quartararo Pinpoints Deficiencies in Yamaha's V4 MotoGP Prototype After Valencia Test

Fabio Quartararo has identified critical areas where Yamaha’s new V4-powered M1 motorcycle continues to fall short, following the official MotoGP test held this week at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. The 2021 world champion had his second opportunity to evaluate Yamaha’s 2026 challenger, the first being at the Misano test, where he expressed considerable dissatisfaction, stating the bike was "worse" than its predecessor, which featured an inline-four engine configuration.

During Tuesday’s session, Quartararo completed 46 laps of the Valencia circuit, ultimately finishing as the fastest Yamaha rider in 15th place. His best time was 0.554 seconds slower than Raul Fernandez, riding for Trackhouse Racing on a 2025 Aprilia RS-GP. The Frenchman articulated that the V4-spec M1 still lacks the front-end stability characteristic of its inline-four predecessor. Additionally, he noted that a deficiency in outright power remains a significant concern, as Yamaha continues to operate the engine in a deliberately restricted "safe mode."

Quartararo had hoped that a private test session held at Valencia on Wednesday would enable Yamaha to address some of the fundamental issues plaguing its V4 program. "We dedicated a significant amount of time to refining the bike’s setup, attempting to establish a foundational baseline, which we currently lack," Quartararo explained. "In essence, we possessed a highly responsive front end with the inline-four bike. Currently, that is absent. Hence, my emphasis on identifying a basic setup. Power, undoubtedly, remains a clearly defined issue."

"We anticipated a marginal improvement in grip levels, but for me, the paramount objective is to leverage the additional day of testing to provide the engineers with precise directives to formulate a viable solution," he added.

Related News :

Yamaha’s test rider, Augusto Fernandez, had previously debuted a new frame during the Valencia Grand Prix weekend, but Quartararo indicated that he had not observed any significant upgrades on his side of the garage since the Misano test. "Effectively, we were riding the same bike as at Misano. I cannot definitively characterize it as a step forward," he stated. "Tomorrow’s session will be critical. We have a number of new components to evaluate, including aerodynamic elements. Therefore, it will be essential to assess the outcome."

Quartararo’s initial reaction to Yamaha’s V4 challenger at the Misano test was overwhelmingly negative, particularly when contrasted with the more ambivalent responses from other riders. When it was suggested that his current assessment of the bike appeared more optimistic, Quartararo responded, "I am adopting a more neutral stance. There is little value in excessive commentary. Our primary responsibility is to furnish the engineers with clear direction regarding the areas requiring further development. For instance, today, the front end was conspicuously deficient. The bike’s turning capabilities were inadequate, power delivery was lacking, and grip characteristics were notably different. We are deficient in numerous areas. However, it will be beneficial to furnish the engineers with comprehensive data tomorrow, derived from both my input and that of my teammates."

Prior to the Valencia GP, Yamaha formally confirmed its strategic transition to the V4-spec M1, discontinuing development of its inline-four engine. Quartararo had access to his previous 2025 challenger at Valencia but only completed two laps on it before reverting to the new V4 version. Notably, his fastest lap time of the day was achieved on the V4 bike.

Yamaha is considering bringing its outgoing MotoGP bike to the Sepang test in February for comparative purposes, although Quartararo does not anticipate that riders will allocate significant time to running it.

The transition from the inline-four engine, which had been a hallmark of Yamaha’s MotoGP efforts for years, to a V4 configuration marks a significant strategic shift for the Japanese manufacturer. The inline-four engine, while known for its smooth power delivery and predictable handling, had increasingly struggled to compete against the more powerful V4 engines employed by rival manufacturers such as Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. These V4 engines typically offer a broader powerband and greater peak horsepower, providing a competitive advantage in acceleration and top speed.

Yamaha’s decision to adopt a V4 engine represents an acknowledgment of the evolving demands of MotoGP racing and a commitment to closing the performance gap with its competitors. However, the development of a competitive V4 engine is a complex and time-consuming process, requiring significant investment in research, development, and testing.

Quartararo’s feedback from the Valencia test underscores the challenges that Yamaha faces in optimizing the performance of its new V4 engine. The lack of front-end stability is a particularly concerning issue, as it can negatively impact a rider’s confidence and ability to push the bike to its limits in cornering. Similarly, the deficiency in outright power limits the bike’s acceleration and top speed, making it difficult to compete on tracks with long straights.

The fact that Yamaha is currently running the engine in a "safe mode" suggests that the manufacturer is still working to refine its reliability and durability. While this approach may help to prevent mechanical failures, it also limits the engine’s performance potential.

Yamaha’s decision to conduct a private test session at Valencia on Wednesday indicates the urgency with which the manufacturer is addressing these issues. Quartararo’s feedback from this session will be critical in guiding Yamaha’s development efforts in the coming months.

The upcoming Sepang test in February will provide another opportunity for Yamaha to evaluate its progress and gather further data on the performance of its V4 engine. The manufacturer will be under pressure to demonstrate significant improvements at this test, as the start of the 2024 MotoGP season is rapidly approaching.

The transition to a V4 engine represents a significant gamble for Yamaha. While it offers the potential to close the performance gap with its competitors, it also carries significant risks. If Yamaha is unable to successfully develop a competitive V4 engine, the manufacturer could face a prolonged period of struggles in MotoGP.

Quartararo’s future with Yamaha is also dependent on the manufacturer’s ability to deliver a competitive bike. The French rider’s current contract with Yamaha expires at the end of the 2024 season, and he has made it clear that he will consider offers from other manufacturers if Yamaha is unable to provide him with the equipment he needs to compete for championships.

The next few months will be critical for Yamaha as it works to refine its V4 engine and develop a competitive MotoGP bike. The manufacturer’s success in this endeavor will not only determine its own future in the sport but also the future of its star rider, Fabio Quartararo.

The MotoGP landscape is rapidly evolving, with manufacturers constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and performance. Yamaha’s transition to a V4 engine is a necessary step for the manufacturer to remain competitive in this highly demanding environment. However, the road ahead will be challenging, and Yamaha will need to execute its development plan flawlessly if it hopes to achieve its goals.