Yamaha to race new V4 bike for the first time at the San Marino Grand Prix – Fabio Quartararo pushes for change ahead of his first test
Yamaha has confirmed that its new V4 bike will be used in a race for the first time next month at the San Marino Grand Prix. Test rider Augusto Fernandez will be entrusted with the task of making its racing debut.
“For Misano, we plan to see Augusto Fernandez start on our new M1 prototype with a V4 engine,” said Paolo Pavesio, managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing, in a video message posted on X on Monday.
Many in the MotoGP paddock had already expected Fernandez to ride the V4 machine at Misano. It is also assumed that Yamaha’s regular riders, such as Fabio Quartararo, will also try out the bike at the official Misano test, which takes place the day after the race.
Quartararo: “Would have preferred before Misano”
Quartararo recently emphasized several times that he is looking forward to Monday’s test in Misano to ride the V4 engine himself for the first time, even though he considers the timing to be too late.
“Yes, I would have liked to have tested it earlier, but I think Yamaha was afraid that the bike wasn’t ready yet. Of course, I would have preferred it before Misano.” For him, it is crucial that the new machine comes within half a second of his current lap times: “Then that would be a good step for me and a signal that we are finally on the right track.”
Quartararo doesn’t see a way back: “From my point of view, it’s clear: we can’t compete with the four-cylinder in-line engine again. We are far too far behind and are hardly developing this bike anymore. That’s why I’m pretty sure we’ll be riding the V4 in the future.”
Input from Miller also of great importance
Yamaha’s plan for the Misano test has not yet been officially confirmed. However, alongside Quartararo, satellite rider Jack Miller, who recently extended his contract with Pramac, will also play an important role in the development of the V4 engine.
While Quartararo has only ridden inline four-cylinder motorcycles in MotoGP so far, Miller has experience with V4 machines at KTM and Ducati.
Given the ongoing difficulties with the current motorcycle, Quartararo has nevertheless put pressure on Yamaha to bring forward the V4’s racing debut. He emphasizes that although Monday’s test in Misano is an important moment, the pre-season tests in February will be truly decisive for him.
“The biggest adjustments can be made between November and February. For me, the test in February will therefore be the most important one in a long time,” says the Frenchman. He adds: “Internally, you often hear that engine power isn’t that important. But honestly, for me, it’s one of the most important factors.“
”You can see how difficult it is to overtake in MotoGP these days. If you don’t have an engine to prepare for an overtaking maneuver, you can’t do it. So, even if the bike is fast, I need one that can fight in the race. And without top performance, it won’t be.”
Meregalli: Three construction sites at once
That’s why the V4 project is a top priority at Yamaha, as team director Massimo Meregalli confirmed to Motorsport-Total.com: “In view of the new regulations, it was clear to us that the future is only possible with the V4.”
“That’s why we are investing a lot of time and money in collecting data now so that we are ready in time for 2027.” Three projects are currently being worked on in parallel: the current bike, the version for 2026, and long-term development for the new rules. “It’s exhausting, but it motivates the whole team. No one complains, everyone pulls together. And it’s precisely this spirit that gives us a boost.”
When asked whether it has already been decided 100 percent that the V4 will be used next year, Meregalli says: “It’s not 100 percent certain, but it’s 90 percent certain.” With the wildcard entry at Misano and the subsequent test by the regular riders, the manufacturer will try to dispel any remaining doubts.
