Yamaha's MotoGP V4 Project Faces Setbacks, Development Lags Behind Schedule, Test Rider Fernandez Reveals

Yamaha’s ambitious endeavor to develop a competitive V4-powered MotoGP machine appears to be encountering significant hurdles, with test rider Augusto Fernandez indicating that the project is "still a long way off" from achieving the desired performance levels. Fernandez’s assessment comes after the prototype’s second on-track appearance at the Malaysian Grand Prix, following its initial debut at the San Marino Grand Prix.

The development of a V4 engine marks a pivotal shift for Yamaha, traditionally known for its inline-four configuration in MotoGP. The transition to a V4 architecture is aimed at closing the performance gap with rival manufacturers like Ducati, Honda, and KTM, all of whom have successfully employed V4 engines to achieve championship success. The V4 configuration is generally favored for its potential to deliver greater power and improved handling characteristics.

However, the early stages of Yamaha’s V4 project have been fraught with challenges. Fernandez, the designated test rider responsible for evaluating and providing feedback on the new machine, has expressed concerns about the lack of tangible progress since its initial outing.

"It was a difficult weekend for us," Fernandez stated after the Sepang race, highlighting the struggles encountered during the Malaysian Grand Prix. "We started the weekend worse than how we finished in Misano, so we felt like we had to start again in discovering what we needed to do to find the base in the end."

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Fernandez’s observations are supported by the performance data from the Malaysian Grand Prix. The Spaniard qualified last on the grid, a significant 2.381 seconds adrift of the pole position time set by Francesco Bagnaia on the Ducati. In the race itself, Fernandez managed to finish ahead of only Miguel Oliveira, who had suffered a crash and subsequently remounted his Aprilia.

Despite the challenges, Fernandez remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the efforts made by the team and the identification of key areas for improvement. "The only positive thing is that with all the work we’ve done, we are now at the same point as how we finished the race in Misano," he noted.

The lack of substantial updates to the bike between the Misano and Sepang races further underscores the development challenges facing Yamaha. Fernandez confirmed that only minor modifications had been implemented in the weeks leading up to the Malaysian Grand Prix.

When questioned about the likelihood of the bike becoming competitive by the start of the next season, specifically the opening race in Thailand, Fernandez initially responded with a blunt "Not really, not really." He later tempered his statement, indicating that he would reserve final judgment until after the final race appearance of the year and the subsequent test at Valencia.

"I [will tell you] in Valencia. Now we are far [from the pace] but if we go in the right direction after all the data that we have analysed… in Valencia we will confirm and after that I will say if we will be ready [for Thailand] or not," Fernandez clarified.

The Valencia test, scheduled to take place in three weeks, will be crucial for Yamaha in assessing the progress made and charting the future direction of the V4 project. The team intends to utilize the time between now and Valencia to conduct private testing and analyze the data gathered from the previous outings.

Fernandez emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing the specific issues hindering the bike’s performance. "After analysing all the data during the weekend, we know that we have the same problem as in Misano. We can say that this [is the only] positive, because we have a clear direction to follow at least for the next test, for the next race, in Valencia: to try to improve. But we need the engineers now to work on new things and follow this direction," he explained.

One of the primary areas of concern is the engine itself. Fernandez expressed a desire for the engine to deliver more power, suggesting that the current configuration is not fully representative of its potential. "One of the topics is the engine. I would like to have – as they say that we have more power – something more similar to what it’s going to be," he stated.

In addition to engine performance, Fernandez highlighted the need for improved balance and overall stability of the bike. "And then we need a base; we need to keep working on what we saw here and in Misano. We need the balance of the bike. We are unbalanced; we’re still unbalanced," he elaborated.

The revelation that the engine is currently running in a "safe mode" further complicates the assessment of the bike’s true performance capabilities. This limitation, imposed to ensure reliability during the early stages of development, restricts the engine’s full potential and makes it difficult to accurately gauge its competitiveness.

The pressure is mounting on Yamaha to accelerate the development process and bridge the performance gap with its rivals. The Japanese manufacturer has struggled in recent seasons, with its factory riders facing increasing difficulty in challenging for race wins and podium finishes. The introduction of the V4 engine is seen as a critical step in revitalizing Yamaha’s MotoGP program and restoring its competitiveness.

The timeline for achieving these goals remains uncertain, however. Fernandez’s candid assessment suggests that the project is behind schedule and that significant work remains to be done before the V4-powered Yamaha can realistically contend for victories.

"The only thing is that we don’t have time and we want to be ready for the next race," Fernandez concluded. "We need to accelerate the development and the process a little bit, but the good thing is that there is something clear, some direction to follow now. We need to keep working hard."

Yamaha’s MotoGP history is rich with success, boasting seven Riders’ Championships and nine Constructors’ Championships. However, the most recent Riders’ Championship victory came in 2021 with Fabio Quartararo, and the team has faced increasing competition from European manufacturers in recent years.

The current factory riders for Yamaha are Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins. Quartararo, the 2021 World Champion, has struggled to replicate his past success due to the limitations of the current bike. Rins, who joined Yamaha in 2024, is also facing challenges in adapting to the machine.

The development of the V4 engine represents a significant investment for Yamaha, both in terms of financial resources and engineering expertise. The success of this project is crucial for the future of Yamaha’s MotoGP program and its ability to compete at the highest level of motorcycle racing.

The upcoming Valencia test will provide a critical opportunity for Yamaha to gather further data, refine the bike’s setup, and assess the progress made in addressing the identified issues. The results of this test will likely determine the direction of the V4 project and the timeline for its potential introduction into competitive racing. The pressure is on Yamaha to deliver significant improvements and demonstrate that its V4 gamble can ultimately pay off. The MotoGP paddock and fans worldwide are eagerly watching to see if Yamaha can overcome these initial hurdles and reclaim its position as a leading force in the sport.