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

Fabio Quartararo has identified critical areas where Yamaha’s new V4-powered M1 MotoGP bike continues to fall short, following the official post-season test at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo. The 2021 world champion, who has been increasingly vocal about the need for significant improvements to the Yamaha machine, had his second opportunity to evaluate the 2026 prototype since initial outings at the Misano test.

Quartararo completed 46 laps on Tuesday, positioning himself as the leading Yamaha rider, albeit in 15th place, with a time of 0.554 seconds behind Raul Fernandez, who rode a 2025 Aprilia RS-GP for the Trackhouse team. The Frenchman indicated that the V4-specification M1 still lacks the crucial front-end stability that characterized its predecessor, the inline-four engine configuration. Furthermore, he highlighted that a deficit in outright power remains a significant issue, as Yamaha is deliberately running the engine in a ‘safe mode’ to manage developmental risks.

"We worked a lot on the bike’s set-up, trying to find the basis, because we don’t have it yet," Quartararo stated. "In a nutshell, we had a very good front end [with the inline-four bike]. Today, we don’t have that. That’s why I say we need to find the basic set-up. Then we know that power is a fairly clear issue."

Quartararo expressed hope that a private test session held at Valencia on Wednesday would provide Yamaha with the necessary data to address the pressing issues affecting its V4 program. "We expected the grip to be a little better, but for me, the most important thing is that we still have another day of testing tomorrow, and we need to give the engineers exactly the right directions to find a solution," he explained.

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Yamaha’s test rider, Augusto Fernandez, had previously debuted a new frame at the Valencia Grand Prix, held the previous weekend. However, Quartararo noted that he had not seen any substantial upgrades on his side of the garage since the Misano test. "We were riding practically the same bike [as in Misano]. I’m not going to say it’s a step forward," he said. "Tomorrow will be important. We have new things to try, like aerodynamics. So it will be important to see how that turns out."

Quartararo’s assessment at Valencia stood in contrast to his notably negative feedback from the Misano test, where he had described the V4 challenger as "worse" than the existing inline-four version. While other riders offered more mixed reactions, Quartararo’s initial impression was stark. When questioned about his seemingly more neutral stance, Quartararo responded, "I’m more neutral. There’s no point in saying too much. We need to give the engineers some direction on where to take things forward. For example, today, the front end was clearly something we were lacking. The bike wasn’t turning enough, we lacked power, and the grip was quite different. We’re missing quite a lot. But it will be interesting to give the engineers some clear data tomorrow. From my side and from my team-mates’ side."

Yamaha officially confirmed its decision to fully commit to the V4-specification M1 engine, abandoning the inline-four configuration, just before the Valencia GP. Quartararo did briefly test his old 2025 challenger at Valencia, completing only two laps before switching back to the new V4 version, on which he set his fastest lap time of the day.

Looking ahead, Yamaha may bring its outgoing MotoGP bike to the Sepang test in February for comparative assessments. However, Quartararo does not anticipate riders spending significant time on the older machine.

Background: Yamaha’s MotoGP Struggles and the Shift to V4 Engines

Yamaha’s struggles in recent MotoGP seasons have been well-documented, prompting a significant strategic shift towards the V4 engine configuration. The inline-four engine, which had been a hallmark of Yamaha’s racing success for years, began to fall behind the performance of rival manufacturers, particularly Ducati, who have dominated with their V4 machines. The key advantages of a V4 engine typically include a more compact design, improved mass centralization, and the potential for greater power output, all of which contribute to enhanced handling and acceleration.

The decision to switch to a V4 engine represents a substantial investment and a recognition that Yamaha needs to fundamentally change its approach to compete at the highest level. However, the transition is not without its challenges. Developing a completely new engine architecture requires extensive testing, refinement, and adaptation to the specific characteristics of the chassis and electronics.

Fabio Quartararo’s feedback is critical to this development process. As a former world champion, his insights into the bike’s handling, power delivery, and overall performance are invaluable to Yamaha’s engineers. His concerns about front-end stability and power output highlight the key areas where the V4 prototype needs significant improvement.

Yamaha’s Recent MotoGP Performance

The 2023 MotoGP season saw Yamaha struggling to maintain pace with its European rivals, with consistent podium finishes and race wins becoming increasingly elusive. Fabio Quartararo, despite his undeniable talent, found himself limited by the bike’s performance, often fighting for positions outside the top five. His best result of the 2023 season was a third-place finish at the Americas Grand Prix.

Alex Rins, who joined Yamaha for the 2024 season, also faces a challenging task in adapting to the new machine and contributing to its development. His experience with other manufacturers, including Honda and Suzuki, could provide a valuable perspective for Yamaha’s engineers.

The Valencia test and the upcoming private session are crucial opportunities for Yamaha to gather data, identify solutions, and make progress towards closing the gap to its competitors. The Sepang test in February will be another key milestone in the development process, as Yamaha aims to refine its V4 prototype and prepare for the 2024 MotoGP season.

Expert Analysis

MotoGP analysts suggest that Yamaha’s focus on addressing the power deficit is paramount. The modern MotoGP landscape requires engines that can deliver both high peak horsepower and strong mid-range torque. The V4 configuration offers the potential to achieve this, but Yamaha needs to unlock that potential through intensive development.

Front-end stability is another critical area. A stable front end allows riders to brake later, carry more speed through corners, and maintain control in challenging conditions. Quartararo’s concerns about the V4 prototype’s lack of front-end stability are a clear indication that Yamaha needs to refine the chassis and suspension settings to achieve the desired handling characteristics.

The next few months will be pivotal for Yamaha as it continues to develop its V4 MotoGP bike. The team’s ability to address the identified deficiencies and make significant improvements will determine its competitiveness in the upcoming season and beyond. The pressure is on Yamaha to deliver a machine that can once again challenge for podiums and race wins.