The Start of a New Era:<br> Yamaha Unveil V4-Powered YZR-M1 in Misano

"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. 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. The V4‑powered prototype reflects one integrated project where Japan and Europe share responsibilities and expertise. Thanks to the hard work of Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, Technical Director Max Bartolini, the Yamaha engineers, the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team, the test riders, the technical partners, and all others who contributed, we are able to take strategic steps and make progress.

"We thank the fans for their never-failing support, and we hope that they will continue to show interest in our journey back to the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing. Exploration is part of Yamaha's DNA. The V4‑powered prototype opens an additional technical pathway. We will race what proves most competitive."

"The development of the V4-powered prototype is the result of a collaborative effort between Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) in Japan, Yamaha Motor Racing (YMR) in Europe, and a select group of technical partners, alongside the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team.

"The track will ultimately determine whether we have achieved our goals, but I'm already proud of the challenging spirit we've embraced in reshaping how we work: faster, more agile, and more open to leveraging our global assets, both organizationally and technically.

"Within this renewed approach, signing Andrea and Augusto last year was a pivotal moment in bringing Plan V to life. Given its scope, the upcoming 850cc project, and the change in tyre supplier, having two test riders was essential. Their complementary strengths were also a key consideration: Andrea brings a development discipline that aligns perfectly with our pursuit of high-quality feedback. His decades at the top of MotoGP and deep technical expertise make him an invaluable asset. Augusto, meanwhile, has seamlessly complemented Andrea's work, especially through his contributions in tests and wild-card entries. As a recent full-time MotoGP rider still in peak form, he's instrumental in pushing the limits of our new V4 engine and prototype bike. These stress tests not only yield critical data but also offer a clear view of our competitive reality.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cal Crutchlow for his work as a Test Rider over the past years. Although he has not been involved in the V4 project, we remain deeply grateful for his longstanding contributions to Yamaha’s bike development.

"Looking ahead, we're thrilled that both Andrea and Augusto have chosen to continue their journey with us into 2026 and 2027, remaining key figures in the evolution of the V4 project. This weekend's wild-card entry marks an exciting new chapter, one we believe will capture the attention of MotoGP fans."

"The development of the V4-equipped prototype has progressed according to a structured, phased plan. Thus far, we have completed dyno testing, followed by track correlation, and this weekend we are conducting 'stress tests' under real-life GP conditions.

"As for the next steps: this Monday we'll have the IRTA test with Fabio and Álex, aimed at expanding our data set. We are unable to disclose details regarding private test sessions, but we remain fully committed to the programme and are approaching each phase with the utmost diligence.

"We are applying a comprehensive and disciplined approach, ensuring no aspect is overlooked. At this stage, I'm pleased to report that the progress is in line with our expectations. If all goes well this weekend and on Monday, subsequent steps include further testing at Sepang and Valencia."

"Our team has designed a coherent package: power delivery, chassis balance, and aerodynamics tuned as a system. This weekend's focus is not on performance benchmarks, but on operational learning under real-world MotoGP Grand Prix conditions.

"Our key objectives are to validate core assumptions, gather high-quality data, and inform the next phase of iteration. While the long-term ambition remains a competitive V4 platform for the 2026 season, any final commitment will be based on an evaluation of outcomes at the end of the 2025 programme.

"This initiative is a strategic approach to broaden our technical options and accelerate our learning curve to ensure we make the most informed decision for our future in MotoGP racing."