Yamaha Unveils V4 YZR-M1 Prototype

Misano, Italy – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has revealed its all-new V4-powered YZR-M1 prototype at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, signaling a bold new direction in its MotoGP development strategy. The unveiling, held at the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP hospitality, marked an unusually early presentation for a future prototype during the 2025 season.

Test Rider Augusto Fernández will debut the V4 prototype as a wild card entry in this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix. Fernández, who has already tested the machine in private sessions, will also continue development as Yamaha’s Official Test Rider for 2026–2027. Official factory riders Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are scheduled to test the bike publicly during Monday’s San Marino MotoGP Test.

The new prototype underscores Yamaha’s “Plan V” initiative — a more aggressive and collaborative approach to development. The project integrates resources across Japan and Europe, combining engineering, test riders, and technical partners in pursuit of returning Yamaha to the front of MotoGP competition.

Yamaha executives including Takahiro Sumi (General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division), Paolo Pavesio (Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing), Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, and Technical Director Massimo Bartolini highlighted the company’s renewed mindset. They emphasized that the current focus is not race results but rigorous data collection under real Grand Prix conditions to accelerate development for the 2026 season.

The unveiling also recognized key contributors Andrea Dovizioso (Test Rider & Rider Performance Advisor) and Augusto Fernández, whose combined expertise and feedback have been instrumental in shaping the project. Yamaha acknowledged former Test Rider Cal Crutchlow for his past contributions as well.

Yamaha stressed that the V4 prototype remains in its experimental phase. Upcoming tests in Sepang and Valencia will further inform next steps, with the ultimate goal of deciding whether the V4 will form the foundation of Yamaha’s competitive MotoGP package for 2026.

Mr. Takahiro Sumi, General Manager of Motor Sports Development, said the ambitious V4 project is a company-wide effort running alongside 2025 bike development. He emphasized Yamaha’s goal to return to winning ways through an evidence-based approach, with Japan and Europe sharing responsibilities. Sumi thanked the engineers, test riders, and partners for their dedication and the fans for their support, noting that the V4 prototype opens a new technical pathway: “We will race what proves most competitive.”

Mr. Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, said the V4 prototype is the result of a collaborative effort between Yamaha Japan, Yamaha Europe, technical partners, and the Factory Racing Test Team. He highlighted the importance of test riders Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernández in providing high-quality feedback, praised their complementary skills, and thanked Cal Crutchlow for his past contributions. Pavesio noted that the wild-card entry this weekend marks an exciting step in the V4 project’s evolution toward 2026–2027.

Mr. Kazuhiro Masuda, Yamaha YZR-M1 Project Leader, said the V4 prototype is progressing as planned, with dyno and track testing completed and stress tests underway at Misano. Upcoming IRTA tests with Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins will expand data collection, followed by further sessions in Sepang and Valencia. He emphasized a disciplined, step-by-step approach to ensure thorough development.

Mr. Massimo Bartolini, Technical Director of Yamaha Factory Racing, said the V4 prototype focuses on operational learning rather than performance this weekend. The team aims to validate assumptions, gather high-quality data, and guide the next development phase, with a competitive 2026 V4 platform to be confirmed after evaluating the 2025 programme outcomes.

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