After months of speculation, Yamaha is set to shake up the MotoGP landscape by introducing a new V4 engine. A strategic choice which marks a break with the traditional in-line four-cylinder architecture of the Japanese brand.
One of the most anticipated developments in MotoGP is the move from Yamaha from inline engines to V4 engines. This season marks a major turning point for the Japanese brand, which, after months of work on a new engine architecture, is preparing to test its V4 with a view to competition from 2025.
The project of Yamaha in V4 is now at an advanced stage, and the brand is preparing to introduce this new engine on the circuits. The first official tests are scheduled to begin in December 2024with an ambitious objective: start racing with this V4 engine from the 2025 season.
According to motorpasion Testing will likely begin at
Sepanga circuit chosen for this first contact, after MotoGP contested the penultimate race of the season on this same track. For the occasion,
Yamaha has designated two trusted pilots:
Cal Crutchlowinternal test pilot, and
Andrea Doviziosowho, while not officially a tester, has been frequently collaborating with the team lately. These tests will allow the engine to be refined before its entry into official competition.
Yamaha aims for racing introduction of its new V4 engine midway through next season
If this scenario were confirmed, the arrival of the V4 would raise questions about the role ofAugusto Fernandez within the project Yamaha. Initially announced as a test driver, the Spaniard could see his role evolve or be required to wait a little longer before joining the official team.
This change to V4 is seen as a strategic change for Yamahawhich has long suffered from aerodynamic and weight distribution problems with its in-line engine. Although they have shown progress in recent races, the current setup has limitations, particularly in component placement and aerodynamic optimization. The V4 engine, on the other hand, could offer better performance in these areas.
The project is led by Luca Marmorinia respected engineer in the industry, and represents a risk but also a great opportunity for Yamaha. If successful, this V4 engine could make Yamaha
a more serious contender in the championship, creating a challenge for competition giants like Ducatiwho are currently dominating the competition with their V4 machines.
With the introduction of this V4 engine, MotoGP could well transform into a championship where V4s have a monopoly, and if
Yamaha finds the recipe for success, it could become an unexpected rival for Ducati in the seasons to come. But for now, everything rests on the tests to come in December and the ability to
Yamaha to take advantage of the possibilities offered by this new engine architecture.
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