Yamaha has finally flipped the script in MotoGP 2025, and the paddock can’t help but stare. Gone (for now) is the inline-4 supremacy; entering stage right is Yamaha’s V4‐powered prototype — a major gamble with big potential.
Key Points
- Test rider is Augusto Fernández, Yamaha’s official test rider. He’s the one who will ride the V4 prototype in the upcoming wild-card race(s).
- The V4 prototype made its first public appearance at Misano (San Marino GP) where Fernández rode it as a wildcard, finishing 14th, scoring two points.
- This new Yamaha V4 represents a complete overhaul: new engine layout (switching from inline-4 to V4), changes in bike geometry, likely in weight distribution, handling, maybe aerodynamics. Yamaha is using it to collect data over full race distance. (
- Riders’ feedback is mixed: promising potential, but plenty of work remains. As Fabio Quartararo said, the feeling is not yet where it should be; settings, electronics, and other details need refining. The V4 is not race ready on every track yet.
What It Means
Yamaha is aiming for long-game dominance. With the V4, they hope to close the gap to Ducati (and others) in terms of straight-line speed/motor performance without losing Yamaha’s traditional strengths. But this season is more about R&D real-world data than grabbing wins immediately.
Fans should watch closely at the wild-card runs (plus any test days) to see how quickly Yamaha can iron out the issues. By next season (or when regulations allow), this V4 could be Yamaha’s weapon to challenge for top spots more regularly.
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