In the world of MotoGP, Yamaha’s new V4 engine for the 2026 season marks a pivotal shift, and Fabio Quartararo is at the forefront of this transition. Yamaha is meticulously developing this prototype, prioritizing performance and innovation. Despite being in the initial testing phases, Quartararo is ardent in his belief that the V4 machine embodies Yamaha’s future on the MotoGP circuit. “It’s not the first test that they made with the V4,” said the 2021 world champion, emphasizing the engine’s potential while at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. “But of course, now we are in a process where it’s not about performance – it’s just to see that everything is working.”
The new V4 engine represents a significant departure from Yamaha’s traditional Inline4 model. Secretive tests at Valencia, conducted by Cal Crutchlow and Augusto Fernandez, have set the stage for this transformation. Quartararo, however, indicates these were brief trials, not yet offering detailed feedback as the bike did only limited laps. He optimistically anticipates his chance to ride the V4 will come later this year. “Being realistic, I think that more or less every bike of next year will be testing around August, September,” Quartararo explained, highlighting the developmental timetable for the new machine.
While focusing on extracting maximum performance from the existing Inline4, Quartararo remains hopeful for the V4’s debut during race weekends, particularly through wild-card entries. His sentiment reflects a desire for real-time competition testing. “It’s always much more interesting to test something in a race weekend than in a test,” he noted, voicing his eagerness for these preparations to unfold.
Even without visual confirmation, Quartararo is less concerned about the aesthetic of Yamaha’s V4 and more focused on its performance capabilities, remarking, “To be honest, I don’t care to see the bike! The bike can be pink or whatever. Just what I want is the bike to go fast.” His confidence in the V4 is clear, underlining its role in Yamaha’s competitive strategy as early as the next year. “Clearly from already next year for me the way is the V4,” he asserted, identifying the necessity to align with the prevailing V4 configurations used by other manufacturers like Ducati and Honda.
Quartararo’s current riding experience highlights a consistent struggle with competitive pack racing, emphasizing the V4’s potential to rectify this disadvantage. “I never really won a race in a fight,” he reflected, noting the challenges in running against the V4-equipped bikes from competitors. Should Yamaha proceed with the 1000cc V4 next year, preparations will also pivot towards adapting the machine for the 850cc era, on Pirelli tyres, anticipated in 2027.
The recent private test at Valencia saw other notable participants, including the Honda test team with Aleix Espargaro and Stefan Bradl, witnessing the developments. Despite Yamaha’s discretion, Espargaro, an onlooker from the garage, sensed the potential. “It’s promising,” he remarked, expressing admiration for the intense efforts by Japanese manufacturers.
Fabio Quartararo’s commitment to the V4 encapsulates a determined pursuit of progress and victory, promising an exhilarating future for both Yamaha and MotoGP enthusiasts. As the motorcycling community anticipates this move, Quartararo’s influence underscores a strategic push towards a new era in racing.
