Yamaha's most ambitious project in twenty years is also its most perplexing. With the historic abandonment of the inline four-cylinder engine in favor of a V4, the Japanese manufacturer hopes to break the deadlock in MotoGP. But internally, the signals being sent are anything but clear. And for Marco Melandri, former MotoGP rider and keen observer of the paddock, something doesn't add up.
To try and make up for lost ground against Ducati, KTM et Aprilia, Yamaha made a radical decision: the YZR-M1 V4, a first since the end of the two-stroke era in 2002.
The motorcycle was officially unveiled during the 2025 San Marino Grand Prix, with Augusto Fernandez as a wild-card entry. The Spaniard then went on to complete several practice sessions. Malaysia and Valenciaaccumulating valuable mileage to guide development.
By his side, Andrea Dovizioso plays a central role. With his 22 years of experience in Grand Prix racing, the Italian has become one of the technical pillars of the V4 project, multiplying private tests and exchanges with Japanese engineers.
The problem is that fabio quartararo, yet driving change at Yamaha He was very critical after his first tests. The 2021 world champion did not hide his frustration, pointing to a lack of feel and an engine still far from the expected level.
It is precisely this divergence that raises questions. Marco Melandri.
In an interview with GP OneThe former 250cc world champion of 2002 openly questions:
« Based on his statements and the events that are unfolding, it would seem so. Fabio might leave, but let's wait and see.I, for one, have a few questions. »
When asked to clarify his doubts, Melandri highlights a key point: the adaptation of Quarterly.
« I think it won't be easy for Fabio to replicate with the V4 what he did with the inline four-cylinder engine »
« I'm mainly referring to the need to find the right settings and the right balance for the motorcycle. For so many years, he's been used to the inline four-cylinder, and I don't think this transition to the V4 will be easy. »
Quartararo worried, Dovizioso confident, two opposing messages: who can you trust? Melandri responds
But the observation goes further: Another thing: it seems to me that All the Yamaha riders are complaining about the new bike.Based on their statements, I didn't see them as particularly enthusiastic about the new M1, and on the track, I expected better from the engine. »
Hence the central question: So I wonder if Yamaha is bluffing or not.I say this because the riders' discontent contrasts with Dovizioso's comments, which seem proactive and optimistic to me. »
Melandri slice, without, however, dispelling the doubts:
« That said, I prefer to trust Andrea, because He is the one who developed the motorcycle and who is in complete control of the situation. »
According to Jorge Lorenzowho spoke with Dovizioso, Yamaha would even be extremely satisfied "of the direction taken by the V4. An optimism shared by Toprak Razgatlioglu, new arrival at Yamaha who claims that his sensations are "anything but negative" ».
Conversely, Quarterly seems increasingly isolated. A recent report even indicates that Yamaha would no longer primarily follow his instructions, preferring to rely on Dovizioso et Fernandez to guide development.
Between reassuring speeches behind the scenes and open criticism from the regular drivers, the V4 project of Yamaha It's moving forward in a grey area. Is this a normal phase of development or an attempt to mask deeper difficulties?
2026 will be a pivotal season. Either the V4 will be revived Yamaha At the top, he either accelerates the break with his star driver. And as suggested MelandriBehind the optimistic statements, doubt remains.
