MotoGP: Yamaha Revels V4-Powered M1 Prototype Bike Ahead of San Marino GP Race Debut

Yamaha has unveiled its new V4-powered MotoGP prototype at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, with its first on-track outing scheduled during the San Marino Grand Prix. This marks the end of Yamaha’s long reliance on the inline-four, which has underpinned its MotoGP effort since the sport adopted four-stroke engines in 2002. Test rider Augusto Fernandez will oversee the public shakedown, beginning a crucial phase of data collection for the team. The switch to a V4 comes after a lengthy spell without victories, with Yamaha’s last win dating back to 2022. Its inline-four has struggled against rival V4 machines, particularly for straight-line speed and drive out of corners. With the old design reaching its limits, Yamaha engineers set about creating a fresh platform with a greater focus on outright performance.

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Factory riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, alongside satellite rider Jack Miller, have already tested the bike privately in Barcelona. However, current restrictions on aerodynamics and homologation mean the prototype is unlikely to race before 2026. The Misano run is aimed at gathering information in race-like conditions, providing engineers with real-time feedback.

Yamaha Test Rider Andrea Dovizioso said: 'Since the very first outing in Malaysia, the project has given me very positive feelings. From the moment I tried the V4-powered prototype, I liked it straight away. With every run the feeling has improved, and I've always sensed great potential. Of course, there is still work to be done, but the indications so far are very encouraging. I believe we've made excellent progress, and I'm really enjoying this role as a test rider.'

Augusto Fernandez said: 'I'm really excited to race with the new bike. It's an honour to be involved in such a big project for Yamaha and to be the first one to race the new bike! It will be a weekend during which we focus on improving our V4-powered prototype and define its strengths and weaknesses whilst riding with the rest of the MotoGP riders, in real time, in a race setting. So, it will be an important weekend – we get to see where we stand – so I'm really excited for this GP and can't wait to start.'

Yamaha’s Concession Rank D status is helping to accelerate development, granting extra technical allowances such as in-season engine modifications. While new 850cc regulations are due in 2027, Yamaha is pressing ahead with the V4 project to build experience and prepare for the transition.

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The debut is the outcome of collaboration between Yamaha’s engineering bases in Japan and Europe. Team managers have stressed the careful, research-driven approach behind the project. Additional tests are planned at Sepang and Valencia, with a decision due next year on whether the V4 will replace the inline-four from the 2026 season.