Yamaha finds itself at a decisive turning point in its MotoGP history. The Japanese manufacturer, long attached to its in-line four-cylinder engine, is seriously considering moving to a V4 architecture, like its main competitors. This decision, far from being trivial, could redistribute the championship cards. And it will be taken in 2025.
While Yamaha continues to develop its MotoGP engine V4the 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 fin 2022,
Yamaha is the only manufacturer to use an inline four-cylinder 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 don't have to think only of the engine “, explain
Max BartoliniMotoGP technical director of
Yamaha. « Having a V4 engine means you have to build a completely different motorcycle
: 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 verify 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 », recalls 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 one thing, while we Europeans do ten things by thinking only once »
Despite this uncertainty, Yamaha remain optimistic. The recent performances of Fabio Quartararo at the end of the season showed encouraging signs. According to Bartolinithis 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 new. The good thing is that people who race are similar in their end goal. Adaptation happens on both sides.
»
Bartolini illustrates this cultural difference: “ the Japanese think ten times before doing one thing, while we Europeans do ten things by thinking about it only 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 Yamahatwo additional M1s will be engaged, piloted by Jack Miller et Miguel Oliveira.
« This will bring us new comments and new opinions », rejoices
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 too. »
While Yamaha seeks 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 ever more competitive grid.
