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

Yamaha’s ambitious project to develop a competitive V4-powered MotoGP bike appears to be facing significant challenges, with test rider Augusto Fernandez expressing concerns about the program’s progress. Fernandez, who has been instrumental in the on-track development of the new machine, delivered a sobering assessment following the recent Malaysian Grand Prix, suggesting that the bike is "still a long way off" from being race-ready.

The V4 prototype, intended to replace Yamaha’s traditional inline-four engine configuration, made its initial public appearance at the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano last month. The Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit marked its second outing, providing further opportunities for data collection and refinement. However, Fernandez’s feedback indicated that the anticipated leap in performance has not materialized.

"It was a difficult weekend for us," Fernandez stated after the Sepang race, highlighting the lack of tangible progress since the Misano debut. "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. 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."

The performance gap was evident in the Malaysian Grand Prix results. Fernandez qualified last on the grid, a significant 2.381 seconds behind the pole position time set by Francesco Bagnaia on the Ducati. In the race, he managed to finish ahead of only Miguel Oliveira, who had suffered a crash and subsequent remount, further underscoring the prototype’s current limitations.

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Adding to the concerns, Fernandez revealed that the engine is still operating in a "safe mode," suggesting that its full potential is yet to be unleashed. This cautious approach is likely aimed at ensuring reliability during the early stages of development, but it also restricts the bike’s performance and hinders the ability to accurately assess its capabilities against the competition.

When questioned about the timeline for the V4 project, Fernandez initially expressed skepticism about its readiness for the start of the next MotoGP season in Thailand. "Not really, not really," he responded, before tempering his statement. He indicated that he would reserve final judgment until after the final race appearance of the year and the subsequent test session 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 elaborated.

Despite the challenges, Fernandez acknowledged that the team has identified key areas for improvement. "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."

Fernandez elaborated on the specific issues plaguing the V4 prototype, pointing to the engine and the overall balance of the bike. "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 explained. "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."

The Yamaha MotoGP team has faced increasing pressure to improve its performance in recent seasons. The Japanese manufacturer, a dominant force in the premier class for many years, has struggled to keep pace with European rivals such as Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. The introduction of the V4 engine is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing Yamaha’s MotoGP program and returning to championship contention.

The decision to abandon the inline-four configuration, which has been a hallmark of Yamaha’s MotoGP bikes for decades, reflects a recognition that a new approach is needed to compete at the highest level. The V4 engine, with its more compact design and potential for increased power and flexibility, is expected to provide a significant performance advantage.

However, the development of a new engine platform is a complex and time-consuming process. Yamaha’s engineers have been working diligently to overcome the challenges associated with the V4 design, but the recent comments from Fernandez suggest that there is still much work to be done.

The upcoming test session at Valencia will be critical for Yamaha’s MotoGP program. The team will have the opportunity to implement the changes and refinements identified during the Malaysian Grand Prix and to gather further data on the V4 prototype. The results of this test will play a crucial role in determining Yamaha’s direction for the 2025 season.

Yamaha’s struggles in MotoGP have also had an impact on its rider lineup. Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP world champion, has expressed frustration with the lack of competitiveness of the Yamaha bike. While Quartararo has reaffirmed his commitment to the team, he has also made it clear that he expects to see significant improvements in the near future.

The pressure is on Yamaha to deliver a competitive package for Quartararo and his teammate, Alex Rins. The team’s future success in MotoGP hinges on its ability to develop a bike that is capable of challenging for race wins and championships.

The transition to a V4 engine is not the only change taking place within Yamaha’s MotoGP program. The team has also been working to strengthen its technical staff and to improve its data analysis capabilities. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that Yamaha has the resources and expertise necessary to compete at the highest level of MotoGP.

The MotoGP landscape has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with several manufacturers fielding competitive bikes and riders. Ducati, in particular, has emerged as the dominant force in the series, with its riders consistently challenging for race wins and championships.

Yamaha faces a significant challenge in closing the gap to Ducati and the other leading manufacturers. The development of the V4 engine is a key part of its strategy, but it is also essential that the team continues to improve its chassis, electronics, and overall package.

The next few months will be critical for Yamaha’s MotoGP program. The team must make significant progress in developing the V4 engine and improving its overall competitiveness. The future of Yamaha in MotoGP depends on its ability to rise to this challenge.

"The only thing is that we don’t have time and we want to be ready for the next race," concluded Fernandez. "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."