- New V4 engine with performance deficits on the straights
- Test restrictions due to safety issues and parts shortages
- Revised engine announced for the Buriram test
The 2026 Sepang test was Yamaha’s first opportunity to assess the newly developed V4 motorcycle. Despite intensive preparation and additional riding time during the shakedown test, the week in Malaysia was anything but smooth. Technical problems, an injury-related withdrawal, and a complete test day without track time characterized the Japanese manufacturer’s performance.
Technical problems and safety concerns slow down testing
Yamaha suffered a setback on the very first day of testing. Fabio Quartararo crashed and broke a finger on his right hand. The former world champion then traveled back to Europe for further treatment and was unavailable for the rest of the test.
The next setback followed on Wednesday. Yamaha decided to suspend the entire day for safety reasons. The reason for this was problems with the new V4 engine, which had affected both Quartararo and rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu. Only after intensive analysis in Japan was the cause identified.
Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha’s team manager, explained:
“Yes, it was a huge relief for us when we got the information from Japan.”
“I think they had a really long night between Japan and Italy.”
After getting the green light from the development department, Yamaha was able to return to the track on the final day of testing.
Rideability and balance are convincing, engine performance remains a weak point
Sports director Maio Meregalli drew a factual conclusion after the test. The motorcycle itself has reached a solid stage of development, especially in terms of rideability and balance. Yamaha clearly sees deficits in the area of engine performance.
“The area we need to improve the most is performance, because the bike is drivable and the balance is also good. The bike itself is not performing badly,” said Meregalli.
This assessment was shared by Pramac team manager Gino Borsoi. From the satellite team’s point of view, the chassis works very well, but it still lacks top speed. However, Yamaha is already working on solutions.
Limited testing opportunities due to material shortages
Another limiting factor in Sepang was the small number of components and engines available. The new V4 engine had to make do with the same stock of materials for both the test in Malaysia and the subsequent test in Buriram.
“Everything is new and we don’t have many parts,” explained Meregalli. “We knew when we arrived that we would have to compete in Sepang and Buriram with the same material. That’s why it was precisely determined how many laps we could drive.”
Even during previous wildcard appearances, test rider Augusto Fernandez had not been able to exploit the full potential of the bike because the engine was running in “safe mode” for safety reasons.
Riders see potential despite falling behind
In terms of performance, Yamaha remained at the bottom of the five MotoGP manufacturers in Sepang. The V4 bike was the slowest on the straight. In addition, the riders complained about difficult steering behavior.
Jack Miller assessed the situation soberly:
“Things like this are just part of the process. It would be naive to expect everything to run smoothly.”
“Of course, I had hoped for a little more from this test, but I am really convinced that the bike still has a lot of potential.”
Alex Rins also confirmed that fundamental decisions could already be made during the shakedown and on the first day of testing. On the last day, the Spaniard focused on setup and completed a sprint simulation, among other things. In Sepang, Rins set the best Yamaha time, 1.1 seconds off the pace. Miller was 1.7 seconds behind, Razgatlioglu just under two seconds.
Focus on Buriram test
Yamaha expects noticeable progress for the upcoming test in Thailand. Rins announced new engines that will be used there for the first time. Acceleration plays a key role, especially on the stop-and-go track in Buriram.
Despite all the limitations, Meregalli was cautiously optimistic:
“It was a productive test. We were able to evaluate most of the planned parts, especially the chassis, swing arm, and aerodynamics. What was missing was the fine-tuning. We’ll postpone that until Buriram.”
What this means for me as a MotoGP fan
From a fan’s perspective, the current situation at Yamaha means patience above all else. The new V4 project shows that the manufacturer is willing to break with tradition and tackle structural problems, even if this means sacrificing short-term sporting success. Statements from management and riders make it clear that the problem lies less with the basic design of the motorcycle and more with engine performance and limited freedom of development. For the 2026 season, this means that results will fluctuate and setbacks will continue to be part of the picture, but the direction is right. Those who follow Yamaha should focus less on individual test times and more on whether the package is becoming more complete step by step and whether the manufacturer is consistently continuing the learning curve with the V4.
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