Yamaha’s new V4 MotoGP bike has faced significant hurdles during the Buriram test, drawing attention primarily due to Fabio Quartararo’s fiery reaction. The team aims to leverage the V4 project to reclaim its championship status, after falling behind in recent seasons. However, the bike’s initial outings have been disappointing, with lackluster performance in wildcard races last year and ongoing reliability issues in early 2026 pre-season testing.
Despite the absence of repeated engine problems that hampered Yamaha during the Sepang tests, the V4’s pace on the opening day at Buriram was underwhelming. Jack Miller led the charge with a 17th place finish, trailing over a second behind the top time set by Alex Marquez on the 2026-spec Ducati. Quartararo, positioned 18th, shared his concerns with the media about the bike’s readiness for competition, emphasizing that even a month from now, Yamaha may not be race-ready.
In one week’s time, even in a month, we will not be ready on my side,
Fabio Quartararo, Rider
Consistent Setup Remains Elusive for Quartararo
Quartararo revealed ongoing struggles with finding a stable setup, highlighting that he has yet to complete two consecutive runs on the same bike. Constant changes in configurations have failed to generate meaningful improvements, underscoring the development challenges Yamaha faces.
Maybe the other Yamaha riders are a bit better. But I think since I’ve been with this bike, I’ve never made two runs in a row with the same bike. I’m always trying something. And even changing a lot, we are not able to find a base setting and make an improvement.
Fabio Quartararo, Rider
Despite his frustration, Quartararo expressed a desire to maintain consistency in upcoming runs to aid development, even if the current setup remains unsatisfactory.
This is what we’re trying to find. But at least tomorrow I would like to keep the same bike, even if I don’t like it.
Fabio Quartararo, Rider
Performance Gaps Evident in Speed and Traction
The Yamaha V4 bike is notably down by about 10km/h compared to the fastest machines on the grid. Alex Rins pointed out that rival brands benefit from superior traction, which helps them accelerate better out of corners and improve straight-line speed. Rins also noted that while his braking confidence has improved, the bike’s cornering ability remains a major weakness.
We are losing a lot in terms of engine power.
Alex Rins, Rider
On braking I feel a little bit more comfortable, but this one doesn’t turn so good.
Alex Rins, Rider
Rins empathized with Quartararo’s frustrations, admitting that the situation is mentally taxing and physically intense. He described pushing hard just to finish 19th, reflecting his elevated heart rate during the time attack effort.
So, there’s nothing more we can do. The riders are ready, the bike is not so ready. So, let’s understand and let’s wait.
Alex Rins, Rider
Encouraging Signs From Jack Miller Amidst Difficulties
While Yamaha’s prospects for consistent top-10 finishes remain distant, Jack Miller expressed a relatively positive outlook on the bike’s potential based on his experiences at Buriram. He acknowledged specific track sectors as challenging but praised progress in handling and grip, especially with the special tires used for Austria.
Bike seems to be working relatively decent,
Jack Miller, Pramac Rider
Miller shared that improvements have been made to the chassis since the Malaysian tests, which has increased his confidence. He also anticipates benefits from new aerodynamic components due to arrive the following day.
Though he recognizes the significant deficit in speed compared to competitors, Miller remains patient with the development process, appreciating the bike’s current capabilities and the direction of the team’s work.
There are a few things to try, but we’re not going to find 10km/h overnight. That’s what we’re missing at the minute. But in general I’m enjoying riding the bike, it’s doing some decent things.
Jack Miller, Pramac Rider
Outlook for Yamaha’s MotoGP V4 Amidst Ongoing Efforts
Yamaha’s MotoGP V4 project is at a pivotal stage, grappling with performance and reliability issues that threaten its competitiveness this season. The gap in engine power and traction compared to leading rivals like Ducati, Honda, and Aprilia remains substantial. Riders including Quartararo, Rins, and Miller are pushing hard under challenging circumstances, offering valuable feedback for continuous development.
The team’s incremental progress in chassis adjustments and aerodynamic testing provides some hope for improvement, though major gains in speed are unlikely to materialize immediately. The coming tests and races will be critical for Yamaha to address its shortcomings and move closer to the competitiveness essential for championship contention in the near future.
