The V4 format offers advantages in engine compactness, high-rev performance, and especially aerodynamic packaging.
One of the major technical motivations for the switch is aerodynamics, as V4 engines are inherently narrower than inline-fours, allowing more freedom under existing MotoGP rules to shape fairings and downforce-generating surfaces.
Under new rules to be introduced in 2027, the aero advantages are likely to become even more pronounced.
Veteran test rider Andrea Dovizioso, in collaboration with Fernández, has been key in the development work of the new bike.
Fernández has already ridden the bike in several private tests, one of them held at Misano.
The new engine is the start of a new era for Yamaha
Yamaha
Takahiro Sumi, Yamaha’s general manager for the motor sports development division, acknowledged the challenge of developing both a new engine architecture and a new chassis simultaneously while still running the existing racing programme.
“We have taken on an ambitious project developing a new V4 engine and a whole new bike, and it is particularly demanding when done simultaneously with the 2025 bike development,” said Sumi.
“Such a challenge comes with high stakes and pressure: it’s the type of project that can only be done right when it’s not just a ‘team effort’ but a ‘company effort’, and all involved have to give it 100%.
“From the start of the V4 project there were many questions to be answered, and we are still in the development stage, but one thing is for certain: our goal is to return Yamaha to winning ways with an evidence‑based approach.”
