Yamaha is at a turning point in its history in MotoGP. The Japanese manufacturer, long attached to its inline four-cylinder engine, is seriously considering switching to a V4 architecture, like its main competitors. This decision, far from being insignificant, could redistribute the cards of the championship. And it will be taken in 2025.
While Yamaha continues to develop its MotoGP engine V4, the Japanese brand finds itself at a major technical crossroads. With the 2027 regulatory change approaching, a crucial strategic decision will have to be made as early as 2025.
Since the departure of Suzuki end 2022, Yamaha is the only manufacturer to use an inline-four engine, while its rivals opt for V4 configurations. This apparent disadvantage has pushed Yamaha to explore the development of a V4 engine.
« When you think of the V4 engine, you shouldn't just think of the engine ", Explain Max Bartolini, MotoGP technical director of Yamaha . " Having a V4 engine means you need to build a completely different bike : a different chassis, different weight distribution, and other parts. But we don't know yet if it's faster or not. So we have to build and check everything before deciding »
Bartolini hopes to have a clear answer by 2025 to determine whether Yamaha will keep its current engine or make the jump to the V4. 2027 is approaching ", remember Bartolini. " We cannot continue to develop several projects in parallel. It takes a lot of time and effort.. We will stick to the fastest package, no matter which one. »
Max Bartolini Yamaha: " The Japanese think ten times before doing something, while we Europeans do ten things by thinking about them once. »
Despite this uncertainty, Yamaha remains optimistic. Recent performances of Fabio Quartararo at the end of the season showed encouraging signs. According to Bartolini, this progression results from the more fluid integration of Japanese and European work cultures.
« I have been to Japan eight times this year. ", he shares. " Every time I discover something newThe good thing is that people who race are similar in their end goal. The adaptation is done on both sides.. »
Bartolini illustrates this cultural difference: “ The Japanese think ten times before doing something, while we Europeans do ten things by thinking about it once. If we can combine these two approaches, we can find an excellent compromise. »
Yamaha also plans adjustments to the MotoGP grid. With the arrival of the satellite team Pramac Yamaha, two additional M1s will be engaged, piloted by Jack Miller et Miguel Oliveira.
« This will bring us new comments and new opinions ", states Bartolini. " We are the only manufacturer with only two drivers. Next season, with four drivers, it could really help us. »
As for the new drivers, he adds on crash.net : " I haven't worked with Miguel yet, but I have worked with Jack. Jack Miller is fast, but he hasn't shown his full potential yet. I hope we find a good place for him and for Miguel as well. »
While Yamaha looking to redefine its future in MotoGP, its ability to choose the right engine strategy and integrate its new recruits could make the difference in an increasingly competitive grid.
