Alex Rins' statements after the Japanese Grand Prix highlighted the difficulties encountered by Yamaha in MotoGP. The lack of rear grip, a recurring problem, is a source of frustration for the riders and the team. The potential arrival of a V4 engine raises great hopes, but the development of this new technology takes time. However, the same Alex Rins hopes for this new engine for the MotoGP project of the Iwata brand for as early as mid-season 2025 ...
### Yamaha and the V4 Engine: Alex Rins Dispels Rumors and Raises Doubts
alex rins spoke on the subject of the arrival in MotoGP of a new V4 engine at Yamaha . While the manufacturer has always used an engine 4 cylinders in line, he recently confirmed via Lynn Jarvis that he was working on a V4 engine project in parallel, with the aim of closing the gap with his competitors. A subject that was also addressed by the official driver Alex Kidneys after his disappointing 16th place at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The development of a V4 engine by Yamaha marks an attempt to catch up with the pack, as all other competitors in MotoGP use this type of engine for its advantages in terms of top speed and acceleration. However, the factory Yamaha remains cautious, only wanting to introduce this V4 engine if it proves to be a significant improvement over the current inline engine.
After the race in Motegi, Kidneys clarified the situation by stating: “ we will certainly not have the V4 for the last races of 2024. » And as for next season, he added: " maybe in the middle of the 2025 season, if all goes well. » However, the V4 project is still far from seeing the light of day, because, according to Kidneys, Yamaha still has many technical challenges to solve.
Alex Rins: “ All three Yamaha riders had the same problems in Japan: no grip and the rear lifting when braking. »
One of the immediate problems, according to alex rins, lies in the lack of grip at the rear of the M1, a recurring problem that he and his teammate Fabio Quartararo and even the wild card Remy Gardner collided during the Japanese Grand Prix. Rins confided on crash.net : " All three drivers have the same problems: no grip and the rear lifting when braking.. » This lack of traction makes it difficult to control the motorcycle, especially in tight corners where stability is crucial.
Despite these difficulties, Kidneys remains objective and recognizes that Quarterly, with several years of experience with the M1, seemed to handle these challenges better: “ Maybe Fabio had more contact with the rear in the braking zones at Motegi. Maybe he had a better set-up than us. But I don't want to make excuses. He was just faster. »
In Motegi, the performance of Yamaha was generally disappointing, with Quarterly in 12th place and a out of gas which cost him a position in the final straight. Rins finished more than 40 seconds behind the winner, While Gardner finished almost a minute behind Francesco Bagnaia. The reality is therefore that Yamaha not only must improve the M1's grip, but also accelerate the development of its V4 project if it wants to close the gap on its rivals and become competitive again on the MotoGP scene.
