Yamaha’s V4 Engine Debut in MotoGP Could Be Mid-2025, Says Alex Rins Amidst Current Performance Struggles

Alex Rins on Yamaha's V4: Potential Mid-2025 MotoGP Debut

"Should things progress smoothly, we might see it debut mid-next season."

Alex Rins has dismissed rumors suggesting that Yamaha's latest V4 engine could be launched in time for the 2025 MotoGP season opener.

Since the onset of the four-stroke era in 2002, Yamaha has consistently competed using an Inline4 cylinder engine. However, it has recently been announced that they are working on a parallel V4 project aimed at hastening their comeback.

Every competitor of Yamaha in MotoGP utilizes V4 engines. Nevertheless, the Japanese manufacturer has stated unequivocally that it will only adopt the V4 configuration when, or if, it surpasses the performance of the Inline engine.

"Definitely, the V4 won't be part of the final races [of 2024]," Rins stated following a discouraging 16th position finish at Motegi on Sunday.

"Fortunately, should all proceed according to plan, we might be able to have it ready by the midpoint of next season."

"However, that's a separate endeavor. We must at least discover something before proceeding."

The primary issue troubling the Spanish rider is a persistent shortage of back wheel traction on the present motorcycle, a problem faced by all M1 racers – Rins, his colleague Fabio Quartararo, and wild-card entry Remy Gardner – which they found particularly challenging at Motegi.

"Rins mentioned that all three racers are facing the same challenge, which includes a lack of traction and the rear end lifting when braking."

"Perhaps Fabio experienced increased engagement with the back part during the braking zones at this location. It's possible he had a superior configuration compared to ours. After all, he's spent numerous years on the same motorcycle."

"However, I'm not looking to justify it. He simply outpaced both Remy and me. Thus, we have to discover a solution."

Quartararo's bike ran dry in the last few turns of Sunday's race, causing him to lose the eleventh spot to LCR Honda's Johann Zarco.

The French rider crossed the finish line more than 30 seconds behind the race victor, Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati. Rins trailed by +40.839 seconds, and Gardner was +59.547 seconds behind following the 24 laps.

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