Yamaha is set to conduct crucial testing for its V4 engine, which has been under development for its M1 MotoGP motorcycle. This testing will take place during a private session in Valencia on Tuesday and Wednesday, as reported by Motorsport.com. While Yamaha’s testing privileges would typically allow factory riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins to participate, the responsibility for this particular test will fall to Augusto Fernandez and Cal Crutchlow instead.
Initially, Yamaha engaged Andrea Dovizioso to focus on the V4 engine testing. Unfortunately, Dovizioso sustained a collarbone injury due to a domestic accident and will not be able to participate in the test. This Valencia test marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time the V4 engine is evaluated on a European track. Earlier in the year, the engine made its debut during a private session at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. However, that initial testing phase utilized an early version of the engine, which still required significant refinements, particularly with regard to its electronic systems.
Yamaha stands out in the current MotoGP landscape as the sole manufacturer utilizing an inline four-cylinder engine in its motorcycles. This unique positioning has led to mounting pressure from its riders, who have consistently voiced concerns about the bike’s performance, notably its top speed. As a response, Yamaha’s engineering team has begun exploring alternative solutions, including a substantial redesign of the engine configuration.
Yamaha’s head, Paolo Pavesio, has indicated that the introduction of the V4 engine will only occur if it proves to be superior to the current inline four-cylinder model. “If and when the bike with the V4 engine is better than the one we are using now, then we will introduce it,” Pavesio stated in February. However, he also emphasized that it would not be realistic to expect this transition to occur by 2025. “When we give that bike to the factory riders, we have to be convinced that it is at a good level,” he added.
Despite the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association (MSMA) implementing a freeze on MotoGP power units from the commencement of this season until the conclusion of 2026, Yamaha has received authorization to continue its work on the V4 project while utilizing the existing 1000cc engine. Moreover, the sport is anticipated to shift to an 850cc engine by 2027, making this ongoing development even more critical for Yamaha’s competitive positioning.
In this endeavor, Yamaha is collaborating with Marmotors, an engineering firm led by Luca Marmorini, who brings extensive experience from the world of Formula 1. Marmorini’s expertise could be instrumental in refining the V4 engine’s performance, potentially giving Yamaha a competitive edge as they push forward with their development plans.
Originally, Jerez was slated to be the location for this week’s test; however, flooding in the Andalusian region has forced the temporary closure of the track. This venue is set to host the Spanish Grand Prix the following weekend. Due to regulations prohibiting testing at a circuit within 14 days of a race, the Valencia circuit will now host MotoGP prototypes for the first time since significant flooding led to the cancellation of its traditional season-ending race in 2024.
During this week’s Valencia test, Yamaha will not be alone. Honda, another prominent Japanese manufacturer, will also be present. Aleix Espargaro, a former Aprilia rider who retired from MotoGP at the end of the 2024 season, will be testing the bike in his new development role at Honda. He will be on the track alongside Stefan Bradl, as the team looks to gather valuable data for future improvements.
Honda is anticipating a more substantial advancement during a subsequent test in Jerez, which will take place after the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Team manager Alberto Puig has hinted at significant updates, stating, “Quite a few important things are going to arrive [at Jerez]. I’m not going to say anything, but it’s quite a few things that can help us to improve the bike, if they work as we hope. So the test in Jerez will be very important for us.”
This week’s test in Valencia is a critical moment for Yamaha as it seeks to refine its V4 engine and address the performance concerns that have been raised by its riders. With the collaboration of experienced engineering partners and the insights gained from these testing sessions, Yamaha aims to enhance its competitive edge in the demanding world of MotoGP.
The MotoGP landscape is continuously evolving, with manufacturers striving to innovate and push the boundaries of motorcycle performance. As Yamaha embarks on this testing phase for its V4 engine, it remains to be seen how these developments will influence its overall strategy in the championship.
The testing in Valencia not only represents a significant step in Yamaha’s engineering efforts but also highlights the ongoing competition among manufacturers in the MotoGP series. With teams like Honda also making strides in their development processes, the coming months will be crucial for all competitors as they prepare for the 2025 season and beyond.
In summary, Yamaha’s testing of the V4 engine is a pivotal event as the brand seeks to redefine its approach to motorcycle performance in MotoGP. With the backing of skilled engineers and the insights gained from rigorous testing, Yamaha is poised to make significant strides in addressing the challenges it has faced on the track. The developments in Valencia and future tests will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of Yamaha’s presence in MotoGP.
