Yamaha's MotoGP competitors were questioned on their V4 engine strategy

“Our test riders are handling that…”

Yamaha's racing team is scheduled to start their trial runs at the Sepang shakedown for the MotoGP this Saturday, with their attention not centered on the much-anticipated V4 engine.

In a departure from its longstanding commitment to inline-four engines, Yamaha revealed plans last year to venture into the development of a V4, marking its first such endeavor in recent times.

This shift in its customary approach to development stems from the innovative perspective that technical director Max Bartolini has introduced to the Japanese company.

There is no specific schedule for the V4's introduction in 2025, as its racers kept details under wraps at Yamaha's event on Friday.

"My aim is to familiarize myself with this motorcycle, to understand the M1, and to focus on the ongoing project," Pramac's recent recruit Miguel Oliveira shared with Crash.net.

"That's where I'm directing all my attention. Considering something that isn't a reality yet doesn't seem wise to me. My goal is to concentrate completely on this bike."

When questioned about the same topic, 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo emphasized that test riders, rather than himself, will concentrate on this issue. He also cautioned that Honda, with its V4 engine, faces challenges comparable to those of Yamaha.

"Quartararo expressed that there's a high level of anticipation placed on the V4 by many, but he personally doesn't share that sentiment. He pointed out that Honda also uses a V4 engine, yet they're facing similar challenges to us," Quartararo mentioned.

"Hence, I believe this isn't actually our primary concern."

"Thus, we need to examine and identify the issues before deciding whether we can proceed further."

"Currently, our primary attention is directed towards 2025, concentrating on the four inline projects."

"For evaluating the V4, we employ test riders. Ultimately, we'll have three individuals in this role, and I'm confident they'll get the opportunity to test out the V4."

"I'm unsure of the timing because it never occurred to me to inquire."

Yamaha announced at its unveiling event, where it showcased the new designs for its main team and Pramac, that its racers will hit the Sepang circuit starting Saturday to kick off their off-season training.

As a producer of race vehicles, Yamaha has the liberty to experiment extensively with its racing team members.

Additionally, it won't be affected by MotoGP's implementation of the engine freeze starting this year, which means it has the possibility of racing its V4 when it becomes ready, potentially in 2025.

Unique insights shared by Peter McLaren, the MotoGP Editor at Crash

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New update on Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia's Ducati windscreen revealed

Ducati unveils new feature for GP25

The newest information on the Ducati GP25 has just been revealed.

Ducati has announced a collaboration with a new sponsor for the forthcoming MotoGP season, which will supply the windscreens for the motorcycles ridden by Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.

WRS, a company based in Italy known for being a premier producer of motorcycle windscreens, has recently become a technical collaborator with Ducati.

The firm pledges to cater to the unique requirements of both cyclists and their bicycles, guaranteeing superior efficiency in aerodynamics, visibility, and durability.

Mauro Grassilli, the Sporting Director at Ducati Corse, expressed: "WRS plays a significant role in our local area, and we find common ground in aspects like advanced technology, dedication to research, and innovation."

"We are thrilled to embark on this new partnership, united by a shared objective: to remain competitive and to constantly seek improvement."

Nicolas Zavoli, the CEO of WRS, expressed his excitement and privilege in joining the remarkable journey alongside Ducati Corse.

"Collaborating with riders like Bagnaia and Marquez places a significant responsibility on our shoulders, yet it simultaneously serves as an additional incentive for us to constantly strive to extend the boundaries of our technology."

"Each windshield we produce is a testament to our longstanding expertise and commitment, and we are confident that our input will be crucial for the Team's success throughout the season."

Bagnaia and Marquez are expected to showcase the most intense competition in this season's MotoGP lineup.

Bagnaia is accustomed to adjusting to the most recent version of the Desmosedici.

Marquez, previously aligned with Honda, has completed a season riding a Ducati from the previous year and now needs to adjust to the most recent model.

Fabio di Giannantonio from the VR46 squad becomes the third competitor to race on a GP25 motorcycle this season.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, covering a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Certainly! However, I'll

Alex Rins highlights Yamaha's remarkable winter work on the 2025 MotoGP motorcycle

The Spanish rider discusses the completely new components introduced for evaluation

Alex Rins has shared comprehensive insights into the innovations Yamaha introduced during the winter, ahead of the inaugural MotoGP test of 2025, expressing his considerable admiration for the advancements made.

Yamaha is gearing up for the 2025 season with a revitalized effort to climb back to the leading positions in MotoGP, following two consecutive seasons without any victories.

Despite the attention gravitating towards the upcoming V4 project, Yamaha continues to devote attention to its existing motorcycle model.

Discover further: Max Bartolini discusses how half a second is considered "catastrophic" in MotoGP

Alex Rins, embarking on his sophomore year with Yamaha, has revealed that the Japanese brand plans to introduce a fresh engine, frame, swingarm, and fairing, among other upgrades, for evaluation during this week's Sepang shakedown and official trial.

"He admitted to Crash.net that claiming we'll be battling for wins right from the start isn't accurate, emphasizing the challenge in making such a statement."

Currently, there's an opportunity to enhance the bicycle. Yamaha dedicated significant effort during the winter season.

"I'm thrilled about getting back on the bike tomorrow for the second day of testing."

They put in a lot of effort. They introduced a new engine, chassis, swingarm, fairing, among other components – everything's new. So, I'm really amazed.

"We plan to conduct consecutive tests, beginning with the baseline motorcycle we used in Montmelo, albeit incorporating the new chassis we experimented with during the test."

"Therefore, we used that as our fundamental motorcycle. We'll now focus on developing a fresh engine, updated electronic systems, and an additional new frame. It's going to be a hectic winter ahead."

In December, Rins had an operation to assess the severe leg injury he sustained in 2023. He claims to feel "absolutely fine," even though he was seen using a crutch at Yamaha's unveiling event.

"I'm undergoing surgery this December to assess how things are," he stated.

"The operation aimed to assess the healing progress of the bone. Upon opening, it was observed that there was only a small amount of bone, indicating that the tibia had not fully recovered."

"Truthfully, after two months, I feel absolutely fantastic, really great."

"Truthfully, it's just like it was prior to the operation because I was already in a decent state before undergoing surgery

"So, currently, I'm using this [crutch] to alleviate some of the pressure on my leg due to the metal implants. You might recall I was moving somewhat awkwardly before – that's because my ankle has been causing me some discomfort."

"I've retained all the metal, which is why I need this [crutch].

"However, cycling isn't an issue for me. I underwent intense preparation during the off-season, focusing on both physical training and mental readiness. Additionally, I spent four to five days practicing on the R1 at both Jerez and Almeria."

Statements given by Crash MotoGP Editor Peter McLaren

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Fabio Quartararo is set for a comeback at the forefront of MotoGP in 2025

Yamaha is gearing up for a significant 2025 season, aiming to break its streak without a win. At the helm of this effort is a world champion eager to realize his full potential, according to Lewis Duncan.

Financial incentives are a significant allure for any competitor. At the beginning of the previous year, Yamaha was aware it was at risk of parting ways with its top racer, Fabio Quartararo, due to its repeated inability to provide him with the motorcycle required to secure a second MotoGP world championship following his 2021 victory.

Aprilia expressed interest but lacked the necessary financial resources. Yamaha, however, invested heavily, committing €12 million annually until the conclusion of 2026, leading to a swift agreement. These actions marked one of two significant strategic moves by departing team leader Lin Jarvis, with the other notable decision being to appoint Pramac as its official secondary team partner.

Rejecting a significant financial offer was a challenging decision, but Quartararo committed himself to the challenging work of restoring Yamaha to its rightful status. This commitment became more palatable when Yamaha persuaded Max Bartolini, previously a key ally of Gigi Dall’Igna at Ducati, to join as the technical director.

On the technical front, Bartolini has successfully softened the traditionally rigid approach of Yamaha's Japanese operations. Throughout 2024, the M1 was consistently updated with new components at every testing and racing event, taking full advantage of its allowances.

His most significant achievement, at least in terms of technology, has been persuading Yamaha to embark on a V4 project – however, there's no specified date for its first appearance on the race track. Traditionally, Yamaha has opted for inline-four engine configurations in recent times, standing as the sole manufacturer to do so.

In alignment with Yamaha's efforts to enhance engine performance, Bartolini shared with Peter McLaren of Crash.net last winter that the primary objective isn't solely about power: “The common perception with the V4 is focused on the engine. However, I believe the major benefits come from the bike's configuration, rather than the engine itself.

Regarding sheer performance, from what I've heard from our engine team, the change shouldn't be significant. "However, the V4 design does offer some opportunities for more straightforward bike configuration management."

Yamaha's primary issue with the M1 model has been the insufficient rear grip, a problem that has persisted over several years. This issue has led to a reduction in the bike's renowned nimbleness, which initially allowed Quartararo to make a significant impact upon joining Yamaha in 2019 as a newcomer.

As the 2024 season progressed, these elements contributed to incremental enhancements, culminating in Quartararo delivering the brand's top performance of the year by finishing sixth at the Malaysian Grand Prix. With the onset of winter testing, Yamaha aims to continue building on this momentum.

Yamaha faces a formidable challenge. Last season, they ranked fourth among five teams in the constructors' championship, scoring 124 points, which placed them 598 points behind the leader, Ducati, and 178 points short of Aprilia, who finished third. Quartararo emerged as the top performer for Yamaha's duo, finishing 13th with a mere 113 points, marking the lowest point total of his career. Meanwhile, his teammate Alex Rins, in his debut season riding the M1, finished 18th, his performance hindered by ongoing injuries.

During Yamaha's unveiling on Friday, Rins highlighted the challenge by stating, “Claiming we'll be in contention for a win from the very first race isn't accurate.”

Quartararo has experienced a shift in attitude over the past season, moving away from his previous dismay caused by Yamaha's inability to meet his needs. He's come to understand that hard work is the key to victory on the Yamaha, and mentioned at the launch that he's heading into the new year without any specific expectations, focusing instead on continuing the momentum from the end of the previous season.

Speaking to Crash.net during Yamaha's unveiling event, he expressed his satisfaction with the team's advancements, particularly in the latter half of the year. "We've managed to make progress, which is encouraging. However, the challenge ahead is to enhance our speed through better grip, power, electronics, and aerodynamics. These areas are crucial for our success," he stated.

If that's the situation, Yamaha should naturally emerge as a steady contender for the top 10 positions right from the start. With Pramac shifting allegiance to Yamaha and consequently reducing the number of Ducatis on the grid by two, Yamaha's task becomes a tad simpler.

During Yamaha's challenging times, Quartararo has consistently been a beacon of hope. The internal conflict between leadership and Maverick Vinales didn't deter him from his path to the championship in 2021, and he stayed in the title race until the last round of the 2022 season, even though he was at a noticeable equipment disadvantage compared to Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia.

As Quartararo clinched victories and contended for the title that season, his closest Yamaha rival, team colleague Franco Morbidelli, trailed significantly in 19th place. Andrea Dovizioso's return to racing with RNF Racing was short-lived, ending his stint by the time of the San Marino GP due to an underwhelming performance.

In 2023, Quartararo stood out as the sole Yamaha rider to reach the podium, maintaining a lead of 70 points ahead of the closest competitor from the same brand in the rankings. Despite Rins experiencing inconsistent performances, Quartararo surpassed him by winning 12 out of 17 grands prix, securing a better qualifying position in 14 out of 18 races, and uniquely earning points for Yamaha in the sprint races.

Many competitors claim they always put in their utmost effort, even in challenging circumstances. However, Quartararo stands out as one of the rare individuals whose commitment you can truly trust. He's not just a top-tier athlete; he's fully aware of his elite status. Perhaps the most significant impact Bartolini has made on Yamaha is his role akin to a chief mentor for Quartararo. He has played a crucial part in calming Quartararo's anxieties and, with the support of the French rider, instilling the confidence that the dry spell will eventually be over.

Previously, Quartararo displayed frustration during media interactions if introduced bike modifications failed to perform as expected. However, his perspective on this matter has since drastically changed.

"He suggested beginning with the 2024 foundation in the examination and then assessing its improvement. He emphasized that new doesn't necessarily equate to better, noting this as a crucial consideration."

Throughout the initial months of the previous year, Quartararo was vocal in urging Yamaha to secure a satellite team for itself. The strategic maneuver by Marc Marquez to secure a seat with the factory Ducati team, after rejecting an offer from Pramac, inadvertently benefited Yamaha. Pramac, which had been a top-tier satellite team for several years, had played a crucial role in advancing Jorge Martin's career – who has since moved to Aprilia – helping him clinch the riders' championship last season.

For many years leading up to 2025, Yamaha functioned almost as a branch of the Ducati team, albeit under a different brand. Now, with the collaboration of Yamaha, they have the ideal ally to accelerate the process of bike innovation. With seasoned riders Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira on board, they have the expertise needed to advance this mission

Yamaha's progress in development, along with Quartararo's evident skills, has certainly caught the attention of many. Francesco Bagnaia identified the French rider as a potential leading contender for 2025, a sentiment echoed by Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola.

Quartararo's steady performance on the Yamaha, despite its declining position in the rankings over the past two years, has been notably commendable. Should Yamaha continue on its current path, it won't be long before Quartararo begins to draw significant attention once more in the MotoGP scene…

Statements given by Peter McLaren, the Editor for Crash MotoGP

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown Test – Day 2: LIVE COVERAGE

Stay tuned for real-time updates on the second day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test happening this Saturday.

Anticipation is high for a more eventful day two at the Sepang Shakedown test, as the four Yamaha riders are set to take part following the unveiling of their team last night.

Nevertheless, the wet conditions on the track resulted in no activity as the testing session commenced at 10 a.m.

On Friday, the absence of newcomer Somkiat Chantra was significant. Meanwhile, KTM test rider Pol Espargaro posted the fastest time, ahead of rookie and current Moto2 champion Ai Ogura. Takaaki Nakagami, the new test rider for HRC, secured the third spot.

Newcomers, official test riders from factories, and racers from Honda and Yamaha are permitted to participate in the Shakedown.

However, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, who ride for the factory Honda team, will be absent once more today because they are attending their team's launch event in Jakarta.

The Sepang test, which will include all the racers competing in the 2025 season, is scheduled to occur from February 5th to 7

At 11:12 a.m., Michele Pirro, who serves as a test rider for Ducati, was the first to hit the track today.

Several motorcycles have been heard revving up, yet the pit lane remains quiet as we near the conclusion of the first hour on Saturday. The track conditions are neither wet enough for rain tires nor dry enough for standard tires.

The wet conditions at the beginning of the second day have delayed the appearance of the first bike on the track.

Regrettably, the presence of cloudy skies suggests that the track may take longer to dry.

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Fabio Quartararo is set for a comeback at the forefront of MotoGP racing in 2025. The upcoming season holds significant importance for Yamaha, which aims to break its current streak without victories. At the helm of this effort is a former world champion eager to realize his full potential, according to Lewis Duncan.

Financial incentives are highly appealing to any racing competitor. At the beginning of last year, Yamaha was aware of the risk of losing its star rider, Fabio Quartararo, because it was unable once more to provide him with the motorcycle necessary to secure a second MotoGP world championship following his 2021 victory.

Aprilia showed interest but lacked the necessary financial resources. Meanwhile, Yamaha committed a significant sum of €12 million per year, securing the deal until the end of 2026. The agreement was promptly finalized. This was one of two strategic moves made by Lin Jarvis, the outgoing head of the factory team, to ensure stability for the future; the other was establishing a partnership with Pramac as its official satellite team.

Rejecting a lucrative offer isn't a simple decision, but Quartararo committed himself to the challenging task of restoring Yamaha to its former glory. The decision became more persuasive for him when the Japanese company hired Max Bartolini, who was previously Gigi Dall’Igna’s close associate at Ducati, to take on the role of technical director.

From an engineering perspective, Bartolini has successfully softened the traditionally rigid approach of Yamaha's Japanese operations. In 2024, the M1 regularly received new components during both test sessions and race weekends, taking full advantage of the concessions available to it.

On the technical front, his most significant achievement has been persuading Yamaha to embark on a V4 engine project. However, there hasn't been any announcement regarding when it will be tested on the track. In recent times, Yamaha has consistently utilized inline-four engines, but it now stands alone in this approach.

This aligns with Yamaha's efforts to increase engine power, but Bartolini explained to Peter McLaren of Crash.net last winter that this isn't the ultimate objective: “Regarding the V4, most people focus on the engine. However, I believe the main benefit comes from the bike's design rather than the engine itself."

Regarding sheer power, according to our engine team, there shouldn't be a significant difference. However, the V4 configuration does offer some advantages in organizing the bike's design.

Yamaha's M1 motorcycle has long struggled with insufficient rear grip, a problem it has faced for several years. This issue has played a role in diminishing the bike's once-renowned agility, which was a key factor in Quartararo's immediate success and formidable presence when he first joined Yamaha as a rookie in 2019.

Throughout the 2024 season, minor enhancements were implemented, leading to Quartararo achieving Yamaha's top performance of the year by finishing sixth at the Malaysian Grand Prix. With the start of winter testing, Yamaha aims to continue its progress from this point.

Yamaha faces a significant challenge ahead. Last year, the team finished fourth out of five in the constructors' rankings, accumulating 124 points. This placed them a staggering 598 points behind Ducati and 178 points behind Aprilia, which secured third place. Fabio Quartararo was Yamaha's top performer, ending the season in 13th place with only 113 points, marking the lowest total of his career. Meanwhile, his teammate, Alex Rins, finished in 18th place during his inaugural year on the M1, as he continued to struggle with injuries.

During Yamaha's launch event held on Friday, Rins highlighted the challenge by stating, "It's tough to claim that we'll be contending for victory right from the opening race, as that's not the case."

In recent seasons, Quartararo has often been a symbol of disappointment as Yamaha struggled to provide him with the necessary support. However, over the past year, he has definitely become more relaxed. He has come to understand that his path to victory on the Yamaha requires hard work. During the launch, he mentioned that his sole aim for the upcoming season is to begin it in the same strong manner as he concluded the previous one.

During Yamaha's launch event, he shared with Crash.net his thoughts on the year's conclusion, particularly from mid-year onward, saying, "I believe the development towards the end of the year was positive." He added that while discovering a solution is a step forward, the next challenge is enhancing speed by focusing on crucial elements like grip, power, electronics, and aerodynamics. Improving these factors is essential, he emphasized.

Should that scenario unfold, Yamaha is expected to consistently compete within the top 10 from the start. With Pramac switching to Yamaha and two Ducatis leaving the grid, this task will become slightly more manageable.

During challenging times for Yamaha, Quartararo stood out as a beacon of hope. Despite internal conflicts involving management and Maverick Vinales, he stayed focused and secured the championship in 2021. He continued to fight valiantly into the last race of the 2022 season, even though he faced a significant disadvantage in terms of equipment compared to Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia.

During that year, Quartararo was securing victories and competing for the championship, while his closest Yamaha counterpart, Franco Morbidelli, was in 19th place. Andrea Dovizioso retired after competing in the San Marino GP, following an underwhelming return with RNF Racing.

In 2023, Quartararo stood out as the sole Yamaha rider to make it to the podium and maintained a 70-point lead over the next closest Yamaha competitor in the rankings. Despite Rins not consistently performing at his peak, Quartararo outperformed him in 12 out of 17 grands prix, secured better qualifying positions 14 times compared to Rins' 4, and was the only Yamaha rider to earn points in sprint races.

Many racers claim they consistently put in their full effort, even when facing challenges. Quartararo is among the rare ones whom you can truly believe does so. He is a superstar and is fully aware of his status. However, perhaps the most significant impact Bartolini has had on Yamaha is his role as a sort of head coach for Quartararo. He has alleviated his concerns and, with Quartararo's assistance, instilled confidence that the difficult period will eventually come to an end.

In the past, Quartararo would become frustrated when discussing with the press if a new addition to the bike failed to deliver results. However, his perspective on such matters has now changed significantly.

"We should begin with the 2024 baseline in our tests and then evaluate whether it's an improvement," he stated. "Just because something is new doesn't necessarily make it better. This is a crucial point we must remember."

Throughout the early months of last year, Quartararo was vocal about his desire for Yamaha to secure a satellite team. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez was maneuvering to secure a position with Ducati's main team, rejecting a potential switch to Pramac, which inadvertently benefited Yamaha. Over the years, Pramac has been a leading satellite team, and it played a significant role in Jorge Martin's journey to winning the riders' championship last season, before his transition to Aprilia.

For many years leading up to 2025, the team operated much like a factory Ducati team, albeit with different branding. Now, Yamaha has found the ideal collaborator to accelerate the progress of their motorcycle development. With seasoned riders Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira on board, they are well-equipped to advance this mission.

Yamaha's recent advancements, combined with Quartararo's evident skills, have certainly drawn attention. Both Francesco Bagnaia and Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, have identified the French rider as a potential leading competitor in 2025.

Over the past two seasons, Quartararo's performance on the Yamaha, despite its declining position on the grid, has been remarkably impressive. Should Yamaha continue on its current path, Quartararo is poised to generate significant buzz once more in the MotoGP arena.

Statements shared by Peter McLaren, the Editor of Crash MotoGP

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Fabio Quartararo is set to make a comeback at the forefront of MotoGP in 2025. This year is crucial for Yamaha, as the team is eager to break its current streak without victories. At the helm of this effort is a world champion determined to realize his full capabilities, reports Lewis Duncan.

Financial incentives are highly appealing to any racer. At the beginning of the previous year, Yamaha was aware of the possibility of losing its star rider, Fabio Quartararo, due to its repeated inability to provide him with the motorcycle necessary to secure a second consecutive MotoGP world championship following his 2021 victory.

Aprilia showed interest but lacked the financial resources. Meanwhile, Yamaha invested heavily, committing €12 million annually until the conclusion of 2026, and an agreement was swiftly reached. This was one of two significant strategic moves made by the departing factory team leader Lin Jarvis; the other involved securing Pramac as their official satellite team partner.

Although refusing a substantial paycheck is challenging, Quartararo committed himself to the hard work of restoring Yamaha to its former glory. This decision was made easier when Yamaha hired Max Bartolini, who previously worked closely with Gigi Dall’Igna at Ducati, as the new technical director.

On the engineering front, Bartolini managed to soften Yamaha's traditionally rigid Japanese work methods. Throughout 2024, the M1 constantly received new components during both test sessions and race weekends, effectively utilizing its concessions.

One of his most significant achievements, particularly from a technical standpoint, is persuading Yamaha to embark on a V4 engine project. However, there is no specified timeline for when this new engine will be tested on the track. Traditionally, Yamaha has relied on inline-four engines in recent years, but it now stands alone in this approach.

In line with Yamaha's efforts to boost engine performance, Bartolini shared with Crash.net's Peter McLaren last winter that the ultimate objective isn't solely about the engine: "When it comes to the V4, people often focus on the engine itself. However, I believe the main benefit actually comes from the bike's overall design rather than just the engine."

From a power standpoint, according to our engine department, the difference should be negligible. However, the V4 design offers some advantages in terms of making the bike's layout easier to handle.

Yamaha has struggled for several years with insufficient rear grip on its M1, which has played a part in diminishing the bike's renowned agility. This issue has affected the performance that made Quartararo a formidable competitor since his debut with Yamaha in 2019 as a rookie.

As the 2024 campaign progressed, minor advancements were seen, with Quartararo achieving the team's top performance of the season by finishing sixth at the Malaysian Grand Prix. With the start of winter testing, Yamaha aims to continue its momentum.

Yamaha faces a significant challenge ahead. Last year, they ranked fourth out of five in the constructors’ standings, accumulating only 124 points. This left them trailing Ducati by 598 points and Aprilia, who placed third, by 178 points. Fabio Quartararo was the standout performer for Yamaha, finishing 13th with just 113 points, marking the lowest total of his career. Meanwhile, his teammate, Alex Rins, finished 18th in his debut season on the M1, as he continued to struggle with injuries.

During Yamaha's launch event on Friday, Rins expressed, "It's really challenging to promise that we'll be competing for a win right from the opening race, because that wouldn't be accurate."

In recent seasons, Quartararo has often been visibly frustrated due to Yamaha's inability to provide him with the necessary support. However, over the past year, he has noticeably calmed down. He has come to understand that to achieve victory again on the Yamaha, he must put in the effort. During the launch, he mentioned that he has no specific expectations for the upcoming year, except that he aims to begin the season as he concluded the last one.

At Yamaha's launch event, he expressed to Crash.net that the development towards the latter part of the year, particularly from the middle to the end, was positive. He mentioned that they have discovered a path forward, but emphasized that it's crucial to not only find a direction but to enhance speed by improving key areas such as grip, power, electronics, and aerodynamics, which are vital components.

If this situation unfolds, Yamaha should be a regular contender for the top 10 right from the start. With Pramac switching to Yamaha and thus reducing the number of Ducatis in the competition, this task could become marginally less challenging.

During Yamaha's challenging times, Quartararo has consistently been a beacon of hope. Despite internal conflicts involving management and Maverick Vinales, he stayed focused and secured the championship in 2021. Even with a noticeable equipment disadvantage compared to Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia, he fought hard and remained competitive until the last race of the 2022 season.

During that year, Quartararo was achieving victories and contending for the championship title, whereas the closest Yamaha competitor was his teammate Franco Morbidelli, who ranked 19th. Meanwhile, Andrea Dovizioso retired after the San Marino Grand Prix, following an underwhelming return with RNF Racing.

In the year 2023, Fabio Quartararo stood out as the sole Yamaha rider to secure a spot on the podium, finishing with a 70-point advantage over the closest Yamaha competitor in the rankings. Despite Alex Rins not consistently performing at his peak, Quartararo outperformed him in grand prix races with a score of 12 to 5, and in qualifying sessions, leading 14 to 4. Additionally, Quartararo was the only Yamaha rider to earn points in the sprint races.

Many racers claim they always put in their full effort, even when facing challenges. Quartararo, however, is one of the rare individuals you can truly believe does so. He recognizes his own superstar status. Yet, perhaps Bartolini's most significant impact on Yamaha has been his role as a kind of head coach for Quartararo. He has worked to calm his anxieties and, with the assistance of the French rider, instill confidence that the dry spell will eventually come to an end.

In the past, Quartararo would express his frustration to the media if a new component added to the bike failed to function properly. Now, however, his perspective has changed entirely.

He mentioned that beginning with the 2024 baseline during testing is crucial, and then determining if there are improvements. He emphasized that new doesn’t always mean better, which is an important consideration to remember.

During the initial months of the previous year, Quartararo was vocal in urging Yamaha to secure a satellite team. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez's strategic maneuver to secure a spot with a factory Ducati team, while declining a move to Pramac, turned out to be advantageous for Yamaha. For several years, Pramac has been the standout satellite team, having elevated Jorge Martin, who is currently with Aprilia, to the championship title last season.

For many years leading up to 2025, a team that operated like a Ducati factory squad, albeit with different branding, has now found an ideal collaborator in Yamaha to accelerate motorcycle development. The team is bolstered by the expertise of seasoned riders Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, who are well-equipped to contribute to this effort.

Yamaha's efforts in development, along with Quartararo's evident skills, have certainly drawn attention. Francesco Bagnaia mentioned the French rider as a potential leading contender for 2025, a sentiment echoed by Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia.

Over the past two seasons, Quartararo has managed to deliver impressive performances on the Yamaha, even as its position in the rankings has declined. Should Yamaha continue on its current path, Quartararo is likely to become a prominent figure once more in the MotoGP scene.

Statements shared by Peter McLaren, the editor of Crash MotoGP

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Yamaha's MotoGP team members were asked about their intentions regarding a V4 engine. Their response was, "We have test riders to handle those evaluations…"

Yamaha's racing team is scheduled to start testing this Saturday during the MotoGP Sepang shakedown, but the attention will not be on their much-anticipated V4 engine.

In the previous year, Yamaha revealed its plans to venture into creating a V4 engine, marking its first exploration of this type in contemporary times, as it has consistently focused on its inline-four engine approach until now.

This shift from its traditional development approach stems from the innovative mindset that technical director Max Bartolini has introduced to the Japanese company.

During Yamaha's launch event on Friday, no specific date was announced for the V4's introduction in 2025, and the race riders were reticent about their plans.

Miguel Oliveira, the latest addition to Pramac, stated to Crash.net that his objective is to familiarize himself with the M1 bike and contribute to the ongoing project.

"My attention is fully on this. Considering something that hasn't happened yet wouldn't be wise. I am completely dedicated to this bike."

When questioned about the same topic, 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo indicated that the test riders, rather than himself, would concentrate on this issue. He also cautioned that Honda, with its V4 engine, is facing challenges similar to those of Yamaha.

Quartararo expressed that while many people have high hopes for the V4, he personally does not share these expectations. He highlighted that Honda, despite having a V4, is facing challenges similar to theirs.

"I believe this isn't one of our primary concerns."

"We need to assess the issues first, and then we'll determine if we can progress."

"At the moment, our primary attention is on the four inline slated for 2025."

"We have designated riders specifically for testing the V4. In total, there are three such riders, and I'm confident that they will have the opportunity to test the V4 thoroughly."

"I don't know when, since I didn't bother to inquire."

At its launch event, Yamaha announced that the factory team and Pramac's new bike designs were unveiled. It also stated that its race riders would start their winter training at Sepang starting on Saturday.

As a concession manufacturer, Yamaha has the ability to conduct unrestricted testing with its racing team members.

Additionally, it will not be affected by the engine freeze regulation introduced in MotoGP this year. This allows the possibility of competing with its V4 engine once it is fully developed, potentially as soon as 2025.

Unique statements shared by Crash MotoGP Editor, Peter McLaren

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New information revealed about Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia's Ducati windscreen

Ducati unveils updated feature for the GP25

Details about the Ducati GP25 have just been revealed.

Ducati has announced a new collaboration for the next MotoGP season, with a company that will supply windscreens for the bikes of Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.

WRS, an Italian firm renowned as a global leader in manufacturing motorcycle windshields, has recently become a technical partner with Ducati.

The company promises to address the unique requirements of both cyclists and their bicycles, guaranteeing top-notch performance with regard to aerodynamics, visibility, and durability.

Mauro Grassilli, who serves as the Sporting Director for Ducati Corse, expressed that WRS is a significant entity connected to the region. He highlighted that both organizations share core values, including a strong focus on advanced technology, dedication to research, and a commitment to innovation.

"We are thrilled to start this partnership with a shared objective: to consistently stay competitive and strive for ongoing improvement."

Nicolas Zavoli, the CEO of WRS, expressed excitement and pride about joining the remarkable journey with Ducati Corse.

Collaborating with riders like Bagnaia and Marquez is a significant responsibility for us, yet it also serves as an additional incentive to keep advancing our technology to its fullest potential.

"Each windshield we produce is backed by years of expertise and commitment, and we are confident that our efforts will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges the Team will encounter throughout the season."

This season, Bagnaia and Marquez are anticipated to have the most intense rivalry in MotoGP.

Adjusting to the newest version of the Desmosedici is a familiar process for Bagnaia.

Marquez, having ridden a year-old Ducati for one season following his lengthy stint with Honda, now needs to adjust to the newest model.

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is part of the VR46 team, has become the third racer to compete on a GP25 motorcycle this season.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Alex Rins describes Yamaha's "remarkable" efforts during the winter to work on the 2025 MotoGP motorcycle. The Spanish rider talks about the "completely new" components introduced for evaluation.

Alex Rins has described the various new components that Yamaha has created during the winter in preparation for the initial MotoGP test in 2025. The Spanish rider expressed that he is "quite impressed" with the team's efforts.

As the 2025 season begins, Yamaha is determined to make significant advancements to reclaim its position at the top of the MotoGP standings, following two consecutive seasons without a victory.

Although attention has been concentrated on the upcoming V4 project, Yamaha has not neglected its existing motorcycle.

Find out more: Max Bartolini describes how a half-second delay can be "catastrophic" in MotoGP racing.

Alex Rins, now in his sophomore year with Yamaha, mentioned that the Japanese brand plans to introduce a new engine, chassis, swingarm, and fairing, along with several other components, during the upcoming shakedown and official test at Sepang this week.

"It's challenging to claim that we will compete for a win right from the start of the season, because that's not the case," he mentioned to Crash.net.

"Currently, there is an opportunity to enhance the motorcycle. Yamaha put in significant effort during the winter season."

"I’m thrilled to get on the bike tomorrow for the second day of the shakedown."

"They put in a great deal of effort. They've introduced a new engine, chassis, swingarm, fairing, and several other components. I'm really impressed."

"We plan to conduct consecutive tests. Initially, we will use the standard bike that we completed with in Montmelo, but it will already include the new chassis that we experimented with during the test."

"That was our starting motorcycle. From there, we'll be developing a new engine, updating the electronics, and designing another new chassis. It's going to be quite a hectic winter."

In December, Rins had an operation to assess the severe leg fracture he sustained in 2023. Despite arriving at Yamaha's launch event on crutches, he reports feeling excellent.

"I am scheduled for a surgical procedure this December to assess how everything is progressing," he mentioned.

"The procedure aimed to assess the bone's healing progress. Upon opening, they found that there was only a small amount of bone as the tibia hadn't completely healed."

"However, to be truthful, after two months, I am feeling absolutely fantastic and incredibly well."

"To be honest, I feel the same as I did prior to the surgery because I was already doing well before it."

"At the moment, I'm using this crutch to take some pressure off my leg. Due to the metal rods inside, my movement wasn't quite right, which led to some discomfort in my ankle."

"I still have all the metal, which is why I need to use this crutch."

"It's not an issue for me to ride the bike. I had an excellent off-season back home, focusing on both physical training and mental preparation. I spent four to five days riding the R1 at the Jerez and Almeria tracks."

Crash MotoGP's editor, Peter McLaren, has shared some

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Yamaha and Pramac unveil fresh designs for 2025 MotoGP season in Malaysia

Yamaha and Pramac introduce their latest color schemes

The Pramac team has revealed its fresh design for its inaugural MotoGP season with Yamaha in 2025, showcasing significant Alpine logos, whereas the official team colors have stayed mostly the same.

Yamaha is currently undergoing a process of restructuring after experiencing a significant drop from competing for the championship title with Fabio Quartararo in 2022 to failing to secure a podium finish in the previous year.

The Japanese company finished the season in fourth place in the constructors' championship, with Quartararo being their highest-ranked rider, securing 13th position.

Nevertheless, the final phases of the campaign showed encouraging developments. Meanwhile, Yamaha is planning an even greater effort in 2025 under the leadership of technical director Max Bartolini, as the company prepares to introduce its inaugural V4 model sometime during this season.

Before he resigns from his position as team leader, Lin Jarvis successfully signed Quartararo to a fresh two-year contract, brought Alex Rins on board, and ensured Yamaha would have a satellite team for the first time since 2022.

Pramac, the team that clinched the independent teams' championship in 2024 and supported Jorge Martin in securing the riders' championship, decided to switch from Ducati to using factory Yamaha equipment.

The team will introduce a completely fresh roster, featuring Jack Miller, who previously competed with them on a Ducati from 2018 to 2020, and Miguel Oliveira, who is transitioning from Trackhouse Aprilia.

The Pramac team has announced that French automaker Alpine has joined as a primary sponsor, with its branding now prominently displayed on the team's new design.

The Pramac Yamaha Moto2 team showcased the motorcycles for riders Tony Arbolino and Izan Guevara during the event. The team will be led by former MotoGP competitor Alex de Angelis as the team manager.

Yamaha has announced plans to host special events in July to mark its 70th anniversary this year.

The brand was present on Friday at Sepang for the initial testing session, with its competitive riders anticipated to join later in the weekend before the inaugural official test scheduled for February 5-7 in Malaysia.

Only two teams remain that have not yet unveiled their new designs for the upcoming season. The factory Honda team plans to reveal theirs on Saturday, February 1st, in Indonesia.

On February 8th, LCR Honda is set to unveil their team, aligning with the MotoGP season kickoff event scheduled to take place in Bangkok.

The official Honda team is preparing to reveal its new motorcycle design, which will be the first in over three decades to not feature the Repsol branding, following the end of its partnership with the Spanish oil company as its main sponsor.

The Thai Grand Prix will kick off the 2025 season from February 28 to March 2.

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Rephr

Highlights from the First Day of the 2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown Test

Key Photographs from Friday's Events in Sepang

Here is a collection of top images showcasing the motorcycles in action at the 2025 MotoGP Shakedown test in Sepang.

Ducati has successfully kept the details of their GP25 motorcycle under wraps. This bike is anticipated to be the top-performing model on the circuit and will be ridden by Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Fabio di Giannantonio.

Michele Pirro, who serves as a test rider,

However, the picture shown above features last year's Ducati from Gresini.

Gresini's newcomer, Fermin Aldeguer, secured the fifth quickest time on Friday.

Lorenzo Savadori takes to the track riding an Aprilia, previously used by Jorge Martin, during the Sepang Shakedown event. For more details, see the tweet by Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP) dated January 31, 2025.

The most impressive photo of the Aprilia from Friday can be found at the beginning of this page.

On Friday, Ai Ogura from Trackhouse impressed observers by posting the second-fastest time. He was among three rookies who were allowed to participate

Aprilia's dependable test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, secured the 10th position.

As of midday on the first day of the 2025 Sepang Shakedown, Dani Pedrosa has set the quickest time for KTM. pic.twitter.com/NEfSmF7Imd— Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP) January 31, 2025

On Friday, KTM had their seasoned test riders, Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa, participating on the track.

Espargaro secured the fastest time, while Pedrosa finished in fourth place.

Yamaha has the opportunity to utilize their two main team riders, two Pramac riders, and their test team on Friday, in accordance with the concession regulations.

However, the only riders participating on the track on Friday were the test pair Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez.

Honda's Takaaki Nakagami achieved the third-fastest time on the leaderboard as he took on his new responsibilities as a test rider for the company.

He collaborates with Aleix Espargaro in conducting tests.

Although there is curiosity about the impact that new technical director Romano Albesiano might have on the troubled project, Friday's session did not reveal any hints.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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