Yamaha is proceeding cautiously with its new V4-powered MotoGP prototype, and it's Augusto Fernandez, test rider and wildcard entrant in Valencia, who's revealing the inner workings. After riding this machine at Misano and then Sepang, the Spaniard offers a clear-eyed assessment: the power remains restricted, the chassis lacks flexibility, but the steering is finally precise.
« Little things. Details. ", summary Fernandez when talking about the differences between Misano et Sepang. " But we now realize that we need a chassis – or the same chassis, but with more play possibilities. That's the main point. »
The driver points to a fundamental problem: some settings are already at their maximum, limiting the room for adjustment. It's a completely new motorcyclebut the base is the same as that of the standard modelThis allows us to understand it. We have finalized the chassis and positioning settings. We therefore need more spaceThis is the plan for the upcoming tests and races. »
In Sepang, Fernandez He qualified 23rd and last, before finishing 19th in the Sprint and 18th in the Grand Prix. As in Misano, Yamaha V4 found herself at the bottom of the top speed rankings — a weakness that the pilot does not expect to disappear Valencia.
« One of the main points concerns the engine. I'd like it to look more like what it will be " he confides. But on the crucial question — will the V4 finally operate at full power in Valencia? — the answer is unequivocal: No. Not in Valencia. »
Augusto Fernandez: “ The only problem is that we don't have the time. »
Nevertheless, Fernandez keep faith in the project MotoGP. " We need to continue working on what we saw here and at Misano, and we need to find the right balance. We're still unbalanced. »
The objective is clear: to make progress without compromising reliability. Perhaps in Valencia we will find something in the direction we have explored. I'm sure we'll get there, but it will take some time.The only problem is that we don't have the time, and if we want to be ready for the next race, we need to speed up the development process a bit. »
And he added optimistically: The positive point is that there is now a clear direction to followand we must continue to work hard »
With the 2026 season beginning four months in Buriram The countdown has begun. Fernandez known : " We are still far from reaching our goal, but if we are heading in the right directionusing the data we have analyzed… In Valencia, we will confirm, and Then I will say whether or not we will be ready for 2026. »
For now, Yamaha has not yet officially announced the replacement of the Inline-4 engine with the V4, which could mark a historic turning point before the final season of the 1000cc regulations.
But to listen FernandezThe message is clear: the potential is there, it just needs to be unleashed.
