Yamaha has confirmed it is currently working on the development of a V4 MotoGP engine marking a pivotal shift in the manufacturer’s engineering strategy.
Lin Jarvis, managing director of Yamaha Racing, confirmed that the project is not only underway but also progressing at an advanced stage. This decision comes as the manufacturer finds itself at a crossroads, having been only last manufacturer to rely solely on an inline-four engine configuration.
The move to a V4 MotoGP engine is seen as a necessary evolution to remain competitive in a rapidly changing racing environment.
The design of modern MotoGP bikes has shifted towards longer chassis configurations which allow for better integration of a the engine without compromising performance. Its torque distribution and mechanical efficiency offer significant benefits over inline-four designs, particularly in terms of power delivery and aerodynamics.
As teams continue to push the boundaries of motorcycle performance through advanced aerodynamics and electronic systems, Yamaha recognizes that adapting the V4 MotoGP engine configuration is essential for maintaining competitiveness.
The impetus for this significant change can be traced back to several factors, including the departure of Suzuki from the championship at the end of 2022 and the increasing dominance of V4 MotoGP engines among rivals like Ducati and Aprilia.
“Regarding the rumours about the V4 which we’ve read recently in the media: it’s true,” Lin Jarvis told MotoGP’s website at Misano on Thursday. “I can confirm that we are busy developing a V4 powerplant.
“It’s something that goes back a while. When Suzuki was still here there were two manufacturers that were running with the inline four and obviously the other competitors running with the V.
“In the last years we’ve seen many, many technical developments in this sport and of course Suzuki stepped out, so we’ve been the only manufacturer remaining with the inline four and the inline four.”
Jarvis noted that while there is still potential for improvement in the inline-four configuration, it is crucial to explore the advantages offered by a V4 MotoGP engine setup, especially with new regulations set to be introduced in 2027.
“In our opinion, still has plenty of capacity to be developed and to be improved,” he added. “But when you have all of your competitors using V4s – and now as we look towards the 2027 new regulations – it’s important for us to fully understand the potential of a V4 versus the inline four.
“Based on that, some time ago we took the decision to start the project.”
Yamaha’s V4 project aims to produce a 1,000cc engine that can be tested on track before the mandatory switch to 850cc engines in 2027. This strategic timeline allows them to gather valuable data and experience with the new engine configuration while still adhering to current regulations.
Currently, the V4 MotoGP engine is undergoing bench testing with plans for track testing expected to commence by mid-2025. However, Jarvis emphasized that Yamaha will not rush this process; thorough durability testing is essential before any competitive debut can take place.
“The project is ‘on schedule’, I would say is the best way to describe it,” he added. “I can’t describe exactly where we’re at but we are on schedule with our planning and the engine is designed.
“The engine is already being bench tested. We’ve not run it in a bike yet, it’s not the right time for that. But we’re busy developing, busy designing and when it is ready with its durability testing then we’ll finally start to track test it.”
The manufacturer is also keen on ensuring that the new engine configuration outperforms its existing inline-four setup before making the switch.
“When it’s quicker than the inline four then we’ll bring it in,” Jarvis said. “One of our intentions is to anticipate and to look and to check what type of engine we need for 2027.
“At the moment ‘27 is too far away for us so we need to start now, we need to get experience and I don’t know when you will see it racing.
“But track testing will not be so far away and based upon the developments – hopefully positive developments – maybe in the middle of next year you might see it on a track.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us but I think with two strong teams, with two strong riders, plus a lot of very good engineers working for us, I think that we will return.”
The potential impact of this shift extends beyond just technical specifications; it also influences team dynamics and rider expectations. Current rider Fabio Quartararo is optimistic about Yamaha’s direction, viewing the development of a V4 MotoGP engine as a sign of renewed commitment to reclaim its former glory.
“It’s quite a long time that we’ve been aware Yamaha is working on a V4,” the 2021 MotoGP World Champion said. “They are at least trying to put everything together for many months.
“We see with new people, a new mentality, the way we are working in a good one, but we cannot change it in just a few weeks.
“Right now we are finding a way to work, but the last three or four years we’ve been really far away from the European manufacturers. We are trying to catch up and I think Yamaha are doing a great job.
“Just seeing from outside, the top three manufacturers are with V4s,” Quartararo admitted. “It’s been many years that they’re with this engine.
“I’m not an engineer to say that they have to go with the V4 but for sure with all the engineers they’ve considered to move to it and for sure they’ve checked many infos to do so.”
Yamaha’s move comes with the arrival of Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller for the new Pramac satellite project meaning Yamaha has already secured riders with V4 experience. Meanwhile Quartararo will team up with Alex Rins at the works outfit for 2025
