Yamaha Debuts Upgraded Chassis for V4 MotoGP Prototype at Valencia Finale

VALENCIA, Spain – Yamaha’s nascent V4 MotoGP machine will sport a newly designed chassis at this weekend’s Valencia Grand Prix, marking a significant step in the Japanese manufacturer’s development program. The introduction of the updated frame comes on the heels of feedback from test rider Augusto Fernandez, who had previously voiced concerns about the bike’s handling characteristics.

The Valencia race represents the third wildcard appearance for the V4 prototype in the 2024 season. Following the race weekend, a critical test session is scheduled for Tuesday at the same circuit. This test will involve all four of Yamaha’s contracted riders for the 2026 season, including the highly anticipated debut of Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is transitioning from the World Superbike Championship. The riders will evaluate the latest iteration of the V4 bike and provide crucial input for future development.

Fernandez confirmed that the new chassis is a recent development and was not available for testing during Yamaha’s private session at Aragon earlier in the week. During that test, Fernandez and Razgatlioglu rode the previous version of the V4. Fernandez expressed optimism that the updated chassis would address the issues that plagued the bike during its initial outing at Misano in September.

"This chassis is the first answer that we have to the problems we had [at Misano]," Fernandez stated. "So, hopefully, it’s the correct one."

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The primary objective for the Valencia weekend is to assess the new chassis and gather data to guide development for the upcoming Sepang test next year. Understanding the optimal direction for future improvements is crucial for Yamaha’s long-term MotoGP ambitions.

Fernandez hopes for a more competitive showing in Valencia compared to the previous race in Malaysia. While the V4 engine will still operate in a "safe mode," the tighter layout of the Valencia circuit may mitigate the performance deficit.

"The engine is the same, so this will be a problem. But at Valencia, maybe we can defend ourselves a little bit better than in Malaysia, for sure," he added. "And we can have… not a competitive weekend, but a weekend that I can enjoy a little bit more than Malaysia, at least."

One specific issue Fernandez highlighted was the significant change in the bike’s behavior when the tires experienced even a slight drop in performance. This issue, he emphasized, was not simply related to tire wear but rather a fundamental characteristic of the bike itself.

"As soon as the tire drops a little bit, it’s a completely different bike. It’s the bike itself. As soon as it drops a little bit and you have another kind of force on the frame, it’s behaving differently. So we need to adjust [that]."

Fernandez believes that the new frame could potentially alleviate this issue, but he also acknowledged the need for adjustments in other areas, such as electronics.

"This is something maybe the frame can [help with], but also [other] things, electronics-wise and everything."

Following the official test on Tuesday, Yamaha has scheduled an additional day of private testing at Valencia on Wednesday to further refine the V4 prototype.

Background and Context

Yamaha’s development of a V4 engine represents a significant shift in strategy for the manufacturer, which has historically relied on inline-four engines in its MotoGP program. The move to a V4 configuration is driven by the desire to achieve greater power and improve overall performance, bringing Yamaha in line with the engine configurations favored by rival manufacturers such as Ducati, Honda, and KTM.

The 2024 season has been challenging for Yamaha. The factory team, consisting of Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, has struggled to consistently challenge for podium positions. Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP World Champion, has expressed his commitment to Yamaha but has also emphasized the need for significant improvements in the bike’s performance.

The arrival of Toprak Razgatlioglu, a highly accomplished rider in the World Superbike Championship, adds further impetus to Yamaha’s MotoGP project. Razgatlioglu’s talent and experience are expected to provide valuable insights and contribute to the development of a competitive MotoGP machine.

The Valencia test and the subsequent winter testing period will be crucial for Yamaha as they aim to make significant progress with the V4 prototype. The manufacturer faces a race against time to develop a competitive package for the 2026 season, when new technical regulations are expected to be introduced.

Yamaha’s MotoGP History

Yamaha has a long and successful history in MotoGP, with numerous World Championships and race victories. The manufacturer has been a dominant force in the premier class of motorcycle racing for decades, with legendary riders such as Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Valentino Rossi, and Jorge Lorenzo all achieving success on Yamaha machinery.

However, in recent years, Yamaha has faced increased competition from rival manufacturers, particularly Ducati. The Italian manufacturer has emerged as the dominant force in MotoGP, with its Desmosedici bike setting the benchmark for performance.

Yamaha is determined to regain its position at the top of MotoGP, and the development of the V4 engine is a key part of its strategy. The manufacturer is investing heavily in research and development and is committed to providing its riders with the best possible equipment.

Rider Profiles

Fabio Quartararo: The 2021 MotoGP World Champion, Quartararo is Yamaha’s leading rider. The French rider is known for his exceptional talent and his ability to extract the maximum performance from his bike. Quartararo’s contract with Yamaha extends through the 2026 season.
Alex Rins: A seasoned MotoGP rider, Rins joined Yamaha in 2024. The Spanish rider has a proven track record of race wins and podium finishes. Rins brings valuable experience to the team and is expected to contribute to the development of the bike.
Toprak Razgatlioglu: A highly successful rider in the World Superbike Championship, Razgatlioglu is making the switch to MotoGP with Yamaha in 2026. The Turkish rider is known for his aggressive riding style and his ability to challenge for race wins. Razgatlioglu’s arrival is expected to inject fresh energy into Yamaha’s MotoGP program.
Augusto Fernandez: Currently a MotoGP rider for the GasGas Factory Racing Tech3 team, Fernandez also acts as Yamaha’s test rider. The Spanish rider’s feedback is crucial in the development of the new V4 engine and chassis.

Valencia Grand Prix Preview

The Valencia Grand Prix is the final race of the 2024 MotoGP season. The race will be held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. The circuit is known for its tight and twisty layout, which favors bikes with good handling.

The Valencia Grand Prix is always a highly anticipated event, as it marks the end of the season and provides an opportunity for riders to secure a final result. The race is also often used as a test bed for new parts and technologies, as teams prepare for the upcoming winter testing period.

Yamaha will be hoping to end the 2024 season on a positive note with a strong performance at Valencia. The introduction of the new chassis for the V4 prototype is a significant step, and the team will be looking to gather valuable data to guide future development.