MotoGP, Jack Miller lets slip a secret: "Ducati thought about making an inline four-cylinder"

With his extension at Pramac Yamaha in MotoGP, Jack Miller has become a cornerstone of the Iwata firm's project. As Fabio Quartararo recalled, his experience with V4s (at Honda, Ducati, then KTM) makes him a key player in the middle of the chessboard, even if his track results have been rather timid since the start of the season. During the Misano tests, however, the Australian revealed that the V4 has not always been in Ducati's plans, which, too, almost bet on the inline four!

Indeed, Jack Miller revealed this astonishing information. "In 2015 or 2016, Ducati considered building an inline four-cylinder engine to compete with Yamaha. But regulations pushed manufacturers to continue down this path." he declared. Even if the future of the MotoGP seems to be turning to the V4, it should be remembered that the inline four cylinders have had their good days; Fabio Quartararo has already scored four poles this season with the current M1, and Suzuki was winning with the GSX-RR until the end of the 2022 season.

 

 

Yamaha is currently making a major effort to launch the new project, which is being officially tested by riders at Misano. Miller highlighted one of the main differences. “On the current M1, the inertia is insufficient, everything is linked to the tires. With the new bike, you can brake properly with these tires." he continued.

Miller was able to see that the new V4 prototype performed quite well at the San Marino Grand Prix, then in the hands of test driver Augusto Fernandez. It remains to be seen whether Yamaha will be able to make the transition with 2027 and the cylinder capacity reduced to 850cc..

Would you have imagined Ducati capable of building such an engine? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport