Intro

Yamaha has officially unveiled its V4-powered YZR-M1 prototype at Misano, marking a significant departure from the brand’s long-standing inline-four philosophy. The move is a direct response to the top speed and acceleration deficits that have plagued the team in recent seasons. Unveiled during the San Marino GP, the prototype will run as a wildcard with test rider Augusto Fernández, while Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins will test it in the post-race test. For Yamaha, it’s about data, direction and closing the gap to V4 rivals.

Why Yamaha went V4

This is a platform reset. The narrower V4 engine allows for tighter aerodynamics and improved straight-line speed, a critical area where Yamaha’s riders have struggled, especially when battling rivals in race traffic. It also gives the engineers more freedom on weight distribution, a key factor for traction off slow corners and slipstream on long straights. Ducati, KTM, Aprilia and Honda are already optimized around V4s, Yamaha is aligning its architecture to the competition.

First look: chassis and aero

The prototype sits on a new chassis designed around the V4, with bodywork that looks much more compact than the current inline-four M1. Expect a slimmer frontal area, more integrated downforce elements and revised cooling paths to suit the new engine’s thermal profile. The aim is a bike that cuts drag, stabilizes braking and improves drive out of corners – critical gains at aero sensitive tracks.

Engine and performance targets

The engine is a 1000cc V4 with a 6-speed cassette gearbox, to MotoGP specs. Numbers are still under wraps but the goal is clear: recover top speed and acceleration while keeping Yamaha’s cornering feel. In theory the V4 should deliver more punch off slow corners and more usable performance in slipstream – areas the inline-four struggled to convert into overtakes.

Rider plan and race program

Test rider Augusto Fernández will be the first to race the prototype as a wildcard at Misano. His mission is to ‘stress test’ the new package under full Grand Prix conditions and provide crucial feedback. Factory riders Quartararo and Rins will test the bike in Monday’s IRTA test to get more feedback without disrupting their 2025 campaign. Yamaha calls this a staged evaluation: collect data now, iterate through Sepang and Valencia and decide on race deployment later with the data in hand.

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Compared to rivals

On paper it’s a philosophical gap not a single lap problem. Ducati’s V4 advantage has been top-end power plus aero and ride height systems that translate into race craft advantages. If the V4 Yamaha can trade some cornering feel for more straight line speed the net race pace – and more importantly the ability to pass – should move in the right direction. That’s where it must.

Closing note

This is the most significant pivot for Yamaha in two decades. If the V4 YZR-M1 proves its promise under race conditions, it could meaningfully accelerate Yamaha’s competitive reset just as the team needs momentum heading into the new rules in 2027.