The Yamaha V4 MotoGP machine returns to action this weekend (14–16 November) at the season finale, the Valencia Grand Prix. Test rider Augusto Fernandez emphasized the importance of the round in determining the development direction for the 2026 campaign.
Although Yamaha has not officially confirmed a switch to the V4 engine for 2026, the manufacturer continues to advance its new prototype, which has yet to run at full power in either of its previous wildcard appearances in Sepang and Misano. The aim is to have the bike ready for a full evaluation by February’s Sepang test, potentially convincing Fabio Quartararo to extend his contract beyond next season.
Quartararo will test the V4 for only the second time at Valencia on Tuesday (18 November), following the Grand Prix weekend. Fernandez expressed optimism about the opportunity to gather valuable data.
“I’m happy to be racing again, especially in Valencia. I’m looking forward to continuing the development of the V4-powered prototype and collecting more data. It will be an important weekend to decide our direction for the winter and next year. I can’t wait to get started,” Fernandez said.
As Yamaha’s V4 project edges closer, this weekend may mark the final appearance of its inline-four configuration, a hallmark since MotoGP’s four-stroke era began in 2002.
Fabio Quartararo, who claimed the 2021 world title with Yamaha, is aiming for another strong finish after a promising outing in Portugal.
“My overall performance in Portugal was not bad. I enjoyed the battles in the Sprint and the Race, and qualifying went well too. I hope to be closer to the leading group in Valencia. It’s a tough track, but we’ll give our 100 percent to finish the season on a high before starting work on 2026,” said Quartararo.
His teammate Alex Rins also highlighted the emotional return to Valencia, a year after devastating floods hit the region, claiming 237 lives and forcing the 2024 finale to move to Barcelona.
“It’s great to be back here after everything the community went through last year. We all want to give the fans and viewers the best show possible. Personally, I’m hoping to finish the season strong before we start testing for 2026,” Rins shared.
