Let's talk MotoGP: There's a (big) problem at Yamaha

It's official! Yamaha will use a V4 engine starting next year. MotoGPA small revolution that has certainly stirred up the paddock. The problem is that the cornerstone of the Iwata firm's project, Fabio Quartararo, doesn't seem very enthusiastic about this news, which he must have been eagerly awaiting. What to make of all this?

 

Yamaha's overflowing ambition in MotoGP

 

Firstly, before talking about "El Diablo" and its future, I wanted to revisit this famous project; it's time to admit my mistake. Indeed, I didn't think that Yamaha, a Japanese company – a country whose technology industry is not at its best – had enough ambition to question itself to this extent. Seeing Yamaha adopt a V4 engine in competition, It's amazing, and that's probably why Quartararo extended his contract.

 

 

I must admit I didn't think such a resurgence of energy was possible. Aided by very advantageous concessions, they have completely reassessed their commitment to MotoGP and now benefit from a brand new bike that can only be used for one year – we'll come back to that – one of the best private teams in the history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing as a satellite team, and a world champion rider with generational talent. This is accompanied by the recruitment of numerous other elements, namely, Toprak RazgatliogluWith a new chief mechanic in the person of Alberto Giribuola (formerly Bastianini), and yet another engineer who previously worked at Ducati, if the latest rumors are to be believed. It's almost exciting; all that's missing are the victories.

 

A separation foretold?

 

To be transparent with you, I think it's fantastic!I like Ducati, but I've always had a soft spot for Japanese brands, whatever they may be – I have a great affection for that beautiful country. It pleases me to know they're coming back, but I'm still convinced we'll have to wait until 2027 to see if they've risen to the new technological challenge. Honda and Yamaha are likely to move closer to the top in 2026, particularly because they have, admittedly, benefited from significant advantages due to their dealership status. a subject I have already discussed at length in the past.

In the midst of all this, Fabio Quartararo, 2021 world champion. The Frenchman, who had high hopes at the time of his contract extension, had a rather strange 2025 season, marked as much by individual exploits as by a lack of success. As mentioned in an article after the Malaysian Grand Prix, his communication is lunarIn interviews, he rarely congratulates the Yamaha teams, and even distances himself from the project: This is the subject of this article..

In Valencia, when interviewed by Canal+, he stated that the V4 was "Yamaha's project" more than his own, and that he had “more time”Strange, isn't it? But, deep down, he is rightI think so. A few days ago, Pedro Acosta said he felt like he had "lost a year of his life" this season at KTM, and Quartararo's situation is not so different at Yamaha.

Although he is in his prime, Quartararo is wasting his best years in MotoGP. Since 2023, he could have been fighting for much better positions with another manufacturer, I'm convinced of it.This is a problem for Yamaha, because, unfortunately, it's currently the only manufacturer capable of fielding a YZR-M1. But at this stage, what can the tuning fork brand do to keep its star rider? Build the best bike on the grid in a few months?

Quartararo, tired of it, wants more. Like Acosta, he would like to fight at the front, in his place, and we can understand why. But what exactly does he expect from this V4-powered M1 next year? Starting with a new engine means risking a long adaptation period once you're racing; I find it hard to imagine the Yamaha winning right out of the gate just because it's a new engine. Besides, Quartararo wasn't impressed during the Misano tests when he rode it, even stating that it wasn't ready for 2026.

 

 

A gamble on the future, but a driver who can no longer wait

 

Yamaha is opting for the V4 engine from 2026 onwards to prepare for 2027, as this new engine will allow them to gather data for the next one. Yes, but what about Quartararo? can no longer afford to wait...to make another bet on the future. At this stage, and given the tone of his statements, I don't see him staying with Yamaha after 2026 unless a miracle happens next year. And Yamaha probably knows this, because they too are aware that it's not normal – by definition – for a rider to speak this way about the brand he represents.

I find it hard to believe that no offer can surpass Yamaha's for 2027.

 

Conclusion

 

This situation seems so inextricable that I see no way out. It would be highly unlikely that the M1 V4 would start winning races next year, especially if the others continue to improve.According to what we've heard from Fabio, Augusto Fernandez's performances are sometimes good, but sometimes average, at least for him. But anything other than a victory would be hard to swallow for a competitor of "El Diablo's" caliber, especially since he hasn't won at the highest level since 2022.

In your opinion, will the V4 be the solution to all of Yamaha and Quartararo's problems? Tell us in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport