Yamaha Confirms V4 Engine Development for MotoGP with Potential 2025 Debut

Yamaha has announced that they are working on a V4 engine for their MotoGP bikes, with a potential debut on the race track in 2025.

Yamaha, traditionally known for using Inline four-cylinder engines since the inception of the MotoGP era, is currently working on creating a V4 engine.

Lin Jarvis, the managing director of Yamaha Racing, verified the information in an interview with MotoGP.com.

Jarvis did not specify a timeline for the V4's introduction, stating that it will be released "once it outperforms the Inline."

However, the engine is currently undergoing bench tests and might be operational "by mid-next year".

Jarvis stated that they are currently working on creating a V4 engine.

"This situation has been ongoing for quite some time. Back when Suzuki was still part of the competition, there were two manufacturers using the Inline4 engine, while the other competitors were using the V4 engine."

In recent years, we've witnessed numerous technological advancements in this sport. Notably, Suzuki has withdrawn, leaving us as the sole manufacturer utilizing the Inline4 engine.

“We believe that the Inline4 engine still has significant potential for further development and enhancement."

"Given that all our rivals are currently utilizing V4 engines and considering the upcoming 2027 regulations, it is crucial for us to thoroughly assess the capabilities of a V4 engine compared to an Inline4."

"Given that information, we decided to initiate the project some time ago. The project is progressing as planned… The engine is currently undergoing bench tests."

"We haven't tested it on a bike yet, but once the durability evaluation is complete, we'll proceed to track testing."

Jarvis mentioned that Yamaha remains undecided about choosing between an Inline or V4 engine for the upcoming 850cc period.

"When the V4 engine surpasses the Inline4 in speed, we'll introduce it. So, we'll wait and see!"

"Clearly, one of our goals is to determine and evaluate the kind of engine required for 2027."

"Right now, 2027 feels distant, so we must begin immediately. Gaining experience is crucial. I can't say exactly when we'll see it compete, but testing on the track will happen soon."

"Depending on how things progress, and with some optimism for favorable outcomes, it’s possible that by mid-next year, it could make an appearance on a track."

"We have a significant amount of work to do, but with two robust teams and four skilled riders, along with a team of excellent engineers supporting us, I believe we will make a comeback."

After Suzuki's departure, Yamaha stands as the sole producer employing an Inline4 engine, while Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, and Honda all utilize V4 engines.

Despite clinching the world championship in 2021 with Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha has not secured a race victory since the middle of 2022.

As a result, Suzuki’s two victories at the close of 2022 stand as the latest wins achieved by an inline engine. With today’s announcement, it suggests these could potentially be the final inline MotoGP victories we see for some time.

Quartararo, currently ranked 13th in the world championship and the leading racer on a Japanese motorcycle, suggested that significant choices were being made privately when he renewed his contract earlier this year.

When asked about the V4 speculations recently, the French individual responded:

"We should evaluate all possibilities… Although I've never ridden a V4, it's clear that the successful bikes are V4s. While Honda is facing challenges, we are the only team using an Inline engine. This might be worth thinking about."

The transition from 1000cc to 850cc engine capacity set for 2027 seems like the ideal time for such an adjustment. However, other racers, such as soon-to-be Pramac team member Miguel Oliveira, have emphasized that Yamaha is eager to implement this change sooner.

Oliveira mentioned that despite the [technical] regulations being set to change in two years, Yamaha is eager to return to the top position as quickly as they can.

Due to their position at the bottom of the concession rankings, Yamaha and Honda are permitted to make changes to their MotoGP engines during the entire season.

This allows them to begin the year 2025 using the newest version of their existing Inline engine. They can then transition to the V4 model once they deem it ready for competition.

At the beginning of each season, Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM are required to approve their engine designs.

The addition of Oliveira and Jack Miller to the new Pramac satellite team indicates that Yamaha will soon gain riders who possess V4 engine experience from various manufacturers: Ducati (Miller), Honda (Alex Rins, Miller), KTM (Oliveira, Miller), and Aprilia (Oliveira).

Rins, Miller, and Oliveira have achieved victories in MotoGP races riding V4 motorcycles from Honda, Ducati, and KTM.

Yamaha benefits from its collaboration with Marmotors, led by former Formula 1 designer Luca Marmorini, who supports the V4 engine's development. Marmorini has prior experience working on the V4 engine for Aprilia's RS-GP.

Nevertheless, Honda's persistent issues indicate that simply installing a V4 engine might not solve Yamaha's problems. The M1 model is also perceived as falling short in aspects like aerodynamics and electronics when compared to European bikes.

During the early 990cc MotoGP period, which spanned from 2002 to 2006, Honda competed with a V5 engine. However, current MotoGP regulations restrict engines to a maximum of four cylinders.

Yamaha last competed with a V4 engine in grand prix racing with the two-stroke YZR500. They later transitioned to an Inline engine configuration, similar to their production Superbikes, at the beginning of the four-stroke MotoGP era.

Following a difficult period in 2002 and 2003, the M1 saw significant improvement when Masao Furusawa implemented the 'big bang' crossplane crankshaft, aligning with Valentino Rossi joining the team in 2004.

Despite not being the quickest motorcycle on the straightaways, the M1 quickly became known for its excellent handling and cornering speed. This bike secured four riders' championships with Valentino Rossi, followed by three more with Jorge Lorenzo, and eventually another title with Fabio Quartararo in 2021.

Nonetheless, the introduction of sophisticated aerodynamics was already starting to mask the V4's difficulties in cornering. Additionally, the V4's superior power enables the use of greater downforce, which increases drag.

Yamaha has prioritized enhancing engine performance, focusing on maximizing power for Marmotors. However, this emphasis has compromised rideability, and the team's highest finish in a Grand Prix this season is seventh place.

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