Yamaha confirmed that Andrea Dovizioso was among the first riders to test their new V4 engine during a private session on Wednesday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Alongside Augusto Fernandez, Dovizioso got an initial experience of the much-anticipated V4 power unit, marking the beginning of Yamaha’s development process.
Yamaha described this outing primarily as a functionality check to ensure the engine’s basic operation, rather than a full performance evaluation.
Yamaha Balances Development Between New V4 and Current Inline-4 Engine
While Dovizioso and Fernandez tested the V4 engine, Yamaha is also continuing to improve their existing inline-4 powertrain. Team boss Massimo Meregalli emphasized that the testing team is committed to both projects simultaneously. He said,
“The testing team is busy developing both,”
adding,
“We are not in the moment to evaluate the performance. The factory guys will test this bike only when we believe the performance is good enough to feel it, to understand it.”
This strategic approach reflects Yamaha’s desire to maximize performance on its current model while paving the way for the V4 engine’s integration into future machines.
Testing Schedule and Regulatory Advantages Aid Yamaha’s Development
The private test at Barcelona supplemented the official MotoGP test held at Aragon earlier in the week. Yamaha, along with Honda, benefits from concessions rules that grant extra testing days to accelerate development and catch up with competitors. Meregalli commented on the challenges of insufficient testing time during the racing calendar, noting,
“It’s always important to test. You don’t have enough time for testing anywhere, anytime.”
This extra time provides Yamaha with more opportunities to refine both their inline-4 and V4 engines, crucial for improving their performance in the competitive MotoGP field.
Comparing Progress: Yamaha’s Performance Improvements in 2024
Meregalli highlighted noticeable improvements in Yamaha’s performance this year compared to last season. Reflecting on recent race outcomes, he mentioned,
“But if we compare it to last year? We finished with a gap of 39s, but [this year] was 19s.”
He also pointed out the reduction in the fastest lap difference, stating that last year’s gap was 1.3 seconds, whereas this season it has narrowed to less than four tenths of a second. This progress was underscored by Fabio Quartararo’s strong qualifying performance, managing to reach Q2 and start the race in the third row despite initial struggles earlier in the weekend.
Yamaha has introduced minor engine updates and explored various setups during testing sessions, though Meregalli noted that the time available to develop was still limited. He elaborated,
“Our way to work is: if they feel no negatives, then it’s the path we work with. It’s a matter of fine-tuning.”
Looking Forward to Fabio Quartararo’s Ride on the V4 Engine
Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha’s lead rider, is expected to test the V4 engine after Dovizioso and Fernandez complete their evaluations. Given the hopeful signs from recent testing and race performances, Quartararo’s feedback will be critical in determining the next steps for the V4 project. This phased approach allows Yamaha to gather essential data and refine the engine before making it race-ready.
Yamaha’s commitment to balancing current inline-4 enhancements with V4 engine development reflects a thoughtful strategy aimed at long-term competitiveness in MotoGP. The upcoming tests, especially those involving Quartararo, will provide clearer insights into the potential impact of the V4 engine on the team’s future results.
