Yamaha’s long-awaited V4 MotoGP engine is still in heavy development, with multiple prototypes already trialed before the version used by Augusto Fernandez in his Misano wild-card debut.
Technical director Max Bartolini confirmed that the new engine will continue to evolve, with fresh iterations expected at every remaining wild-card and test this year. Fernandez will ride the bike again at Sepang later this month and at the Valencia finale in November.
“We made many prototypes before arriving at this actual one,” Bartolini explained. “Exactly how many versions? Let’s say, it’s a good number! But still, the engine is completely under development. Probably every wild-card, every test, the engine will be different again.”
Despite teething issues at Misano — including false fuel warnings on his dash — Fernandez finished 14th and noted the bike’s potential. “When you check our fastest lap of the race, it’s under one second off Fabio. So we have some good things,” he said.
Test rider Andrea Dovizioso highlighted braking stability and grip as key strengths: “Straight away, the way you can brake with this [V4] bike, I felt different, and for me it’s much better.”
However, Yamaha’s race riders delivered mixed verdicts after the post-race test. Fabio Quartararo was critical, saying: “I don’t see any progress in the areas we need.” In contrast, Alex Rins and Jack Miller were more optimistic, lapping within 0.6–0.9s of their current bikes.
Part of the deficit is due to a conservative engine output, with Fernandez the slowest through the Misano speed trap and Quartararo also bottom of the charts in testing.
While Yamaha has yet to officially commit to racing the V4 in 2026, it would be a major surprise if it isn’t on the grid at the Buriram season opener. A modified 850cc version is also planned for the 2027 regulation change.
Yamaha Racing managing director Paolo Pavesio concluded: “MotoGP today brings in one clear direction, which is this kind of [V4] configuration. At least with this we will be equal with the other manufacturers, and the rest is what we have to put on the table.”
