MotoGP, Lin Jarvis confesses at Misano: "Yamaha is busy developing a V4 engine"

Yamaha is preparing a major turning point in MotoGP by developing a new V4 engine, a first in the history of the brand. Lin Jarvis, Yamaha Racing's managing director, confirmed this information in an interview with motogp.com, specifying that the project is already in an advanced phase.

Since Suzuki's withdrawal, Yamaha is the only manufacturer to use an inline 4-cylinder engine, while its competitors such as Ducati, Aprilia, KTM et Honda use engines V4. Although the brand won the world championship in 2021 with Fabio Quartararo, she has not won a victory since mid-2022, suggesting a need for change.

Lynn Jarvis has explained : " we still have a lot of potential with the inline engine, but it is crucial to understand the benefits of V4, especially with the 2027 regulations on the horizon. So we have made the decision to launch this project some time ago. The engine is already undergoing bench testing and we hope to have it on track by the middle of next year. »

The general manager stressed the importance of this transition to compete with the other manufacturers who currently dominate the championship: " when this V4 is faster than our current engine, we will use it. We need to gain experience now, and don't wait until 2027 »

Fabio Quartararo: “ Yamaha is working on major changes »

To fabio quartararo, who signed a new contract with Yamaha , this change is seen as a hope of finding the path to victory again. Yamaha is working on major changes. We must explore all options. Motorcycles that work well today are V4. We need to see what this change can bring us.,” said the French driver.

En parallèle, Yamaha will be able to count on the skills of its new recruits, Miguel Oliveira et Jack Miller, both of whom have experience on V4 motorcycles with KTM, Ducati et Honda. Oliveira also stated: " Yamaha wants to return to the top as quickly as possible, and don't wait until 2027 »

The challenge is considerable, because even Honda, with its V4, is having difficulties. Yamaha will not only have to focus on the engine, but also on other aspects such as aerodynamics et electronics, where European machines have taken the lead. However, the expertise of Luca Marmorini, former F1 designer and engine collaborator Aprilia V4, could prove decisive in this new adventure.

With this ambitious project, Yamaha hopes to regain its place among the MotoGP elite and provide its riders with the tools needed to return to success.