Fabio Quartararo finally managed to complete some meaningful laps on the new Yamaha MotoGP V4 during testing in Valencia. And while the Frenchman admits to appreciating "the way it feels to ride" this new machine, he categorically refuses to become prematurely optimistic. The project is still in its early stages, and El Diablo is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
The great revolution is now official: Yamaha abandons its historic inline four-cylinder engine to enter the era of V4 in 2026. But Quarterly, already unimpressed during his first test at Misano In September, it was deemed too early to draw any conclusions.
À Valenciahe signs a 1'29''927, 15th time, and recounts: " It's too early to say whether I'm happy or not. »
He describes a difficult start to the day: we didn't do many laps. Personally, I spent a lot of time changing many settings because We are clearly lacking our strong point, namely, good front-end behaviorThat's why we spent so much time in the garage. »
The session resembled a race against time:
« We didn't have time to really... everything was done in a rush. we were just trying to get the motorcycle working »
Fabio Quartararo: “ I like the way I ride the V4 »
Fortunately, Yamaha benefits from an additional day of private testing:
"Tomorrow will be an important day, particularly for finding the solution at the level chassis, electronics, engine and aerodynamics »
Despite the caution in his words, Quarterly He does, however, slip in a significant compliment:
« Today, I just wanted to get back in touch with the motorcycle a bit… But I really like the way I ride the V4 »
An interesting detail: His time in V4 is slightly better than that achieved with the inline four-cylinder engine (1'30''020).
But again, Quarterly rejects any optimistic interpretation.
When asked if these performances show that the project V4 "On the same level as the old motorcycle," he replied without hesitation:
« No, not yet, because this morning I only did two laps with the standard bike, with the medium tire, and with quite a bit of fuel. This afternoon, I rode on soft tires, trying to find the limit. And it was barely betterSo, it's too early. »
He insists on the need to give clear instructions to engineers:
« We have to work hard and give the best guidance to engineers so they can assess their potential »
This test in Valencia confirms two things: Yamaha has taken a historic step with its V4, but development is still underway. a very early stage.
The front end's behavior, stability, electronics, chassis, and even aerodynamics: everything needs to be refined.
QuarterlyHe, however, seems ready to work — but not to wait indefinitely. The season MotoGP 2026 will be decisive, and Yamaha must transform this V4 Promising… a machine capable of winning. For now, the hope is there, but very fragile.
MotoGP, Valencia Test: times
