Jack Miller, the Australian MotoGP rider now with Pramac Yamaha, has revealed a surprising fact about Ducati’s engineering history: the company once seriously explored building an inline-four engine. This disclosure comes amid Miller’s strong standing within the MotoGP community following his recent contract extension with Yamaha. His insight sheds light on a development path Ducati ultimately abandoned under regulatory pressure, reshaping our understanding of the manufacturer’s technical strategies.
Miller’s Firsthand Account of Ducati’s Engine Plans
With experience spanning Honda, Ducati, and KTM, Miller possesses deep familiarity with V4 engines. During testing sessions at the Misano circuit, he shared that around 2015 or 2016, Ducati contemplated developing a four-cylinder inline engine aimed at challenging Yamaha’s dominance. He explained,
Back in 2015 or 2016, Ducati seriously considered developing a four-cylinder engine to take the fight to Yamaha. However, regulatory pressures ultimately pushed manufacturers to stick with the V4 design.
This insider perspective challenges previous assumptions and opens questions about the engineering choices faced in MotoGP’s evolving landscape.
The Continued Relevance of Inline-Four Engines in MotoGP
Despite the prevalence of V4 powertrains, inline-four engines have maintained a notable presence in recent seasons. Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha has demonstrated the inline-four’s potency with four pole positions this year using the M1 bike. Similarly, Suzuki’s GSX-RR, powered by an inline-four, remained highly competitive through the 2022 season. The proven track record of these engines adds gravity to Miller’s remarks and the potential shifts they imply for Ducati’s future development.
Yamaha’s New Project and Performance Changes at Misano
Miller also commented on Yamaha’s ongoing efforts to evolve its machinery, highlighting significant changes observed during Misano tests. He noted a key difference in handling, stating,
On the current M1, the inertia is lacking; everything hinges on the tires. With the new bike, we can brake effectively with these tires.
This suggests improvements in tire management and braking stability, promising a competitive edge for Yamaha as it prepares to face future MotoGP seasons.
Insights from the San Marino Grand Prix and Future Engine Regulations
At the recent San Marino Grand Prix, Miller praised the performance of a new V4 prototype piloted by test rider Augusto Fernandez, underscoring the ongoing development vigor within Yamaha. Looking ahead, the MotoGP community is closely watching Yamaha’s potential transition to an 850cc engine capacity by 2027—a change that could have significant consequences on racing dynamics and manufacturer strategies.
Implications and Anticipation for MotoGP’s Technical Evolution
Jack Miller’s revelation about Ducati’s near-creation of an inline-four engine fuels speculation about future technical directions in MotoGP. Fans and experts alike are eager to see if Ducati or other manufacturers might revisit such designs as the sport adapts to new rules. This emerging narrative adds excitement and curiosity to the vibrant competition, as riders and teams vie to harness evolving technologies for success. The season continues to build momentum, with anticipation high for how these insights will influence upcoming races and developments.
