Yamaha check rider Augusto Fernandez has defined the place the brand new V4 MotoGP bike is healthier than the present inline-four model being raced in 2025.
The Japanese producer introduced final yr that it might, for the primary time within the fashionable period, be constructing a V4 prototype in a bid to spice up its declining kind.
Since 2002’s swap to four-stroke equipment, Yamaha has caught with its inline-four cylinder engine design and has gained eight riders’ titles with it between Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Fabio Quartararo.
Nevertheless, since Suzuki departed the grid in 2022, Yamaha has been an outlier on this regard.
The V4 made its race debut on the San Marino Grand Prix with Augusto Fernandez, the place it was second-to-last on the grid and 61.504s off the lead in 14th.
In comparison with the very best Yamaha (Fabio Quartararo in eighth), Fernandez was 40.54s adrift.
Its second outing on the Malaysian Grand Prix noticed Fernandez end nearer to the leaders in 18th, 47.060s again, whereas the main Yamaha was 35.5s up the highway.
Fernandez did notice, nevertheless, that the V4 “wants one thing else” after experiencing a tricky Sepang weekend.
Yamaha is being conservative with how a lot energy it squeezes out of the V4 proper now, however Fernandez has nonetheless seen some positives in comparison with the present bike.
“It’s smoother than the [inline-four] M1,” he instructed Sky Italy.
“We’re not exploiting its full potential; we’re protecting it a bit calm to analyse every step.
“The entrance must be sorted out, however the throttle-tyre connection is healthier. Grip administration, and specifically the best way we perceive tyre drop, has improved considerably.
“And, it’s additionally fantastic to trip.”
Fernandez understands Quartararo’s impatience
When it was examined by Quartararo at Misano, he was lower than impressed with the V4, noting that it had related issues to the inline-four.
The V4 venture has been seen as Yamaha’s final try to persuade Quartararo to remain past 2026.
Fernandez understands why Quartararo is impatient, however is satisfied a aggressive bike “will emerge”.
“I perceive Fabio, as a result of he’s somebody who wish to win tomorrow,” he mentioned, talking forward of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
“However we’ll nonetheless want somewhat endurance. Right here in Malaysia with the V4 we’ll battle like in Misano, as a result of there are two brief straights, and if you get to sector 4… it’s a part by which you shouldn’t have a look at the instances.
“We’ve got to give attention to the sensation. However I’m certain a great bike will emerge.”
Fernandez might be again in motion as a wildcard on the Valencia Grand Prix finale, after which it’s anticipated that the inline-four cylinder bike might be successfully retired from the post-race check onwards.
