Jack Miller and Alex Rins believe there is significant potential in Yamaha’s V4 MotoGP project, especially as the team targets greater competitiveness for the 2026 season. Their perspectives follow recent tests of the new V4-powered M1 bike, with both riders pointing out advancements and remaining challenges as Yamaha transitions from its classic inline-four engine.
Yamaha Transitions to V4 Power in Search of Competitiveness
For the upcoming MotoGP seasons, Yamaha has made a bold shift by abandoning its longstanding inline-four engine configuration in favor of an all-new V4 motor for the M1 machine. This decision comes as the Japanese manufacturer makes a push to enhance its performance just before the end of the current regulatory cycle. The latest public demonstration of the V4 M1 took place during the Valencia test, where Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha’s lead rider, posted a lap time within half a second of pacesetter Raul Fernandez riding for Trackhouse Aprilia. After this event, Yamaha conducted a closed test at Circuit Ricardo Tormo to further analyze the prototype’s data prior to the winter break.
Feedback from Jack Miller: Progress and Areas for Growth
Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller, who has been closely involved with the V4 project, notes promising early performance but also acknowledges that the motorcycle is still under development. Miller explained that even at this stage, the V4 shows up as a contender, albeit not fully refined. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, especially in electronics and engine mapping, referencing his experience moving to the M1 and the learning curve that comes with such transitions. Miller’s view, firmly anchored in his hands-on testing, presents a mixture of optimism and realism regarding what Yamaha can achieve.
“There’s potential. The potential’s obviously going to be bigger. We wouldn’t go with it if we didn’t think it was going to be bigger than what we got,”
Jack Miller, Pramac Racing.
“The TC is not too bad. It’s just the way it works; getting the fuelling [engine maps] right, getting the bike running crisp, so it’s not spinning on the first touch and stuff like that.”
Jack Miller, Pramac Racing.
Alex Rins Highlights Improvements and Remaining Weaknesses
Alex Rins echoed Miller’s thoughts, describing both advances and current limitations after experience with the updated prototype. Rins found the switch to the V4 brought notable upgrades under braking, which addressed several issues that had troubled riders with the inline-four setup, particularly at technical circuits like Circuit Ricardo Tormo and Misano. He clarified, however, that Yamaha did not introduce major changes to gearbox or other key parts, yet he noticed a more manageable shift shock and a better overall feel compared to earlier outings.
“The bike has slightly improved. They didn’t change anything in terms of gearbox or big items, but I felt better than in Misano,”
Alex Rins, rider.
“In braking, it is much better than the Inline 4. The problem with the four inline was that we were stopping the bike only with the front tyre. With this bike, we are able to use both tyres. And as soon as you brake, the bike goes a little bit sideways, and this is really helpful.”
Alex Rins, rider.
Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses in the V4 Design
Both Miller and Rins recognize that while some areas of the new V4 M1 have made clear strides—such as braking efficiency and engine smoothness—other qualities will require extensive development. One notable feature of the previous M1 was its dependable front end, a characteristic highly prized by Yamaha riders like Quartararo for stability entering turns. According to Miller, the V4 must catch up in this regard; while progress is being made, the team faces a task in replicating the intuitive front-end feeling of the outgoing inline-four bike.
“Obviously coming off the [inline-four] M1, which is a bike that’s got a remarkable front end, you’re always going to feel like you’re taking a back step in that sort of department,”
Jack Miller, Pramac Racing.
“But I believe once we’ve got a direction, which I think that [the] boys do, that’s going to be an easy solution.”
Jack Miller, Pramac Racing.
Traction Challenges and Upcoming Updates
Rins has pinpointed traction as another weak spot, explaining that while the V4 allows riders to pick up the motorcycle more efficiently, it struggles to find rear grip when accelerating out of corners. This aspect has become a primary concern for further refinement as testing continues heading into 2026. Rins remains hopeful, especially with anticipated upgrades scheduled for future tests at Sepang, signaling Yamaha’s ongoing efforts to strengthen this crucial area.
“It’s true that we can pick up the bike better than the inline-four because it’s moving less [and there is] less shaking,”
Alex Rins, rider.
“Leaving apart the speed, [an area] that Yamaha said they are coming with some updates in Sepang, I would like to improve the traction.”
Alex Rins, rider.
Distinctive Character Emerges in Yamaha’s New Prototype
Miller described the current V4 prototype as maintaining certain Yamaha design hallmarks while also gaining new characteristics from its V4 architecture. He compared its sound and weight to those of rival brands, while pointing out the unique torque and power delivery that set the updated M1 apart. The interplay of familiar Yamaha traits with fresh technical innovations places this project at an intriguing point in its evolution.
“I think it has the Yamaha DNA about it,”
Jack Miller, Pramac Racing.
“But just in terms of the weight and the inertia that you get out of the engine, then it has its own sort of character in terms of the torque progression and the way the power comes on.”
Jack Miller, Pramac Racing.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Yamaha’s V4 MotoGP Effort
With the 2026 MotoGP season in sight, Yamaha and its riders are focused on maximizing the potential of the new V4 configuration while addressing its current shortcomings. The strong commitment from both Miller and Rins, together with engineering feedback and upcoming technical updates, suggests that ongoing development will be pivotal. As further testing unfolds, rivals and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Yamaha can translate its renewed vision into race-winning performance and challenge established forces like Ducati, KTM, and Honda.
