Yamaha very close to the first track test of its V4

Yamaha has remained faithful to its in-line four-cylinder since the start of the MotoGP era, while this architecture has been abandoned by all its rivals. Often considered flexible to use but less powerful than the V4 of the competition, this engine has evolved considerably in recent years, Yamaha relying on the expertise of Luca Marmorini, former engine designer for Ferrari in F1 and who also worked for Aprilia in MotoGP, but a change in technology is now seriously considered.

At the San Marino GP last September, Motorsport.com learned that the manufacturer had been working on a V4 for several months, and a few days later, Lin Jarvis, general manager of Yamaha Motor Racing, spoke of a first test on the track “in the middle” of the year 2025. Development finally accelerated and rumors reported a possible test of this V4 at Sepang during the month of December, with Andrea Dovizioso, who has already taken part in tests for the mark this year.

Today, we know more. In the Por Orejas podcast of the Spanish edition of Motorsport.comÁlex Rins has in fact revealed that the plans were in fact to evaluate it as early as last week, during a test in Jerez which especially made people talk about the presence of KTM in the midst of a financial crisis. Yamaha ultimately had to revise its plans.

“The idea was to try it at the KTM test in Jerez, but ultimately it was not ready and could not be tested”confided Rins. The goal was to run this engine for two days, obviously with Dovizioso, who has a lot of experience with the Ducati V4.

Yamaha does not intend to carry out any more tests this year and the V4 should therefore make its first appearance on track during the Shakedown, reserved for test riders, beginners and holders of brands in the D category of dealerships , from January 31 to February 2 in Sepang.

Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins, but also Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller, who will ride the satellite Yamahas in the Pramac team in 2025, will thus be authorized to take part in this test.