Yamaha has officially unveiled its new V4-powered YZR-M1 MotoGP bike, which will be piloted by test rider Augusto Fernandez in Misano.
The Japanese marque begins a new era with its engines, moving on from the formerly successful inline-powered M1.
Yet, with its last race win coming in 2022, Yamaha has sharply declined in competitiveness and has developed a V4 engine like its rivals.
The Iwata-based squad has now confirmed that Fernandez will test the new engine in Misano with the sole purpose of gathering data.
After the Misano round and during testing, Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will try out the new engine for the first time.
“We have taken on an ambitious project developing a new V4 engine and a whole new bike, and it is particularly demanding when done simultaneously with the 2025 bike development,” shared Takakiro Sumi, Yamaha’s general manager in the Motor Sports Development Division.
“Such a challenge comes with high stakes and pressure: it’s the type of project that can only be done right when it’s not just a ‘team effort’ but a ‘company effort’, and all involved have to give it 100%.
“From the start of the V4 project there were many questions to be answered, and we are still in the development stage, but one thing is for certain: our goal is to return Yamaha to winning ways with an evidence‑based approach.
“The V4‑powered prototype reflects one integrated project where Japan and Europe share responsibilities and expertise.
“Thanks to the hard work of Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, Technical Director Max Bartolini, the Yamaha engineers, the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team, the test riders, the technical partners, and all others who contributed, we are able to take strategic steps and make progress.
“We thank the fans for their never-failing support, and we hope that they will continue to show interest in our journey back to the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing. Exploration is part of Yamaha’s DNA.
“The V4‑powered prototype opens an additional technical pathway. We will race what proves most competitive.”
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