Yamaha’s new V4 MotoGP engine development remains a work in progress, with test rider Augusto Fernandez admitting the unit is “still not fast enough” as the Japanese manufacturer prepares for its 2026 campaign. Unlike other MotoGP teams that use V4 engines, Yamaha has historically operated with an inline four-cylinder engine, which has impacted their recent competitiveness. The company has been testing the new power unit since last year, aiming to close the performance gap.
Testing Progress and Current Challenges at Brno
Fernandez recently conducted a private test at the Brno Circuit ahead of the Czech Grand Prix to further develop the V4 engine. Despite some promising signs, progress remains cautious, as the engine is not yet running at full power.
“It’s looking good, it looks very positive and everything but it’s still not fast enough,”
Fernandez said, emphasizing the ongoing need to boost speed to be competitive next season.
“The last test wasn’t the full package still, the engine is not the full [power] one. Everything is just very early for everything,”
he added, highlighting the early stage of the unit’s development.
Yamaha’s Gradual Approach to Engine Refinement
Behind the scenes, Yamaha’s engineers are taking a methodical approach, introducing power increments cautiously to ensure reliability and durability. Fernandez explained,
“The engine is not at its full performance from Japan. They [the engineers] don’t give us all the power from the engine, but if they understand the process, it will be good.”
This step-by-step strategy aims to prevent mechanical failures, as Yamaha wants
“to understand it without breaking it”
and thus applies performance increases progressively. Fernandez remains confident that if the process continues positively, the bike will be ready by the end of the season.
“They want to understand it without breaking it. They give us [performance] little by little. In Japan, things are like that. They want to understand everything very well. Nothing against that as long as we have a good bike for next year, but it’s going well so far,”
he said.
Implications for Yamaha’s 2026 MotoGP Prospects
Yamaha’s decision to switch to a V4 engine is a significant shift from its previous inline four configuration, but results have yet to improve. The team currently sits last in the 2025 constructors’ standings following 11 rounds, underscoring the urgency for progress. Fernandez pointed out that upcoming tests over the summer will be critical in accelerating development and determining whether the V4 can deliver competitive lap times essential for the 2026 season.
“At some point, we will need to see which one is faster in terms of lap time. It’s what will decide [which engine to choose]. It’s not a negative, but we just need to see better lap times,”
Fernandez noted, indicating that speed remains the decisive factor moving forward.
With this measured developmental approach, Yamaha hopes to arrive at the 2026 season with a robust power unit capable of regaining its competitive status in MotoGP.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. Unfortunately, entertainment often attracts more interest than sports. MotoGP is attempting to benefit from this by making the sport more appealing. However, MotoGP currently lacks the exciting personalities needed to generate drama and engage audiences.
Q. Why isn’t MotoGP popular?
A. Motorcycling isn’t as popular as football. Despite Liberty Media’s advertising efforts, most people, about 90%, don’t feel connected to it. This would only change if there were fewer entertainment choices, but that’s not the case today.
Q. Is MotoGP cheaper than F1?
A. The Ministry of Youth and Sports stated that hosting a Formula One race costs four times more than putting on a MotoGP event. Additionally, organizing MotoGP is less expensive than Formula E as well.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is famous for being the sole World Champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1. He demonstrated equal talent and courage in both sports.
