Fabio Quartararo Downplays Yamaha’s V4 Debut: ‘It’s Not the Key Test’

The spotlight is shifting in MotoGP 2025 as Fabio Quartararo prepares for a highly anticipated moment: his debut on Yamaha’s brand-new V4 engine prototype at Misano. The French star confirmed he will finally swing a leg over the radical project during the official test on September 15, ending months of speculation about when Yamaha’s long-awaited shift from its iconic inline-four M1 to a V4 machine would officially involve its number-one rider.

Yet while the Misano test will be a milestone, Quartararo was quick to downplay its importance, insisting that the real turning point will not arrive until pre-season testing in 2026. For a rider desperate to return to the sharp end of the grid after enduring a tough 2025 campaign, the message is clear: the V4 is Yamaha’s future, but it needs time before it becomes the weapon he requires.

Yamaha’s Big Shift: From Inline-Four to V4

Since the introduction of MotoGP’s four-stroke era in 2002, Yamaha has been synonymous with the inline-four M1, a machine that carried legends like Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Quartararo himself to world championship success. The M1 became famous for its smooth power delivery and agility in corners, but over the last several years, it has struggled to keep pace with the V4-powered bikes of Ducati, Honda, Aprilia, and KTM.

The turning point has come. With Quartararo’s frustrations mounting and Yamaha lagging behind in performance—especially on straights—the factory has finally decided to abandon tradition. The new V4 project, spearheaded by test riders Augusto Fernandez and veteran Andrea Dovizioso, represents a full reset of Yamaha’s philosophy in MotoGP.

While the machine is still in an early development stage, the target is clear: Yamaha must return to winning ways.

Quartararo Confirms Misano V4 Debut

Speaking during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Quartararo put speculation to rest by confirming that he will debut the V4 MotoGP prototype at Misano.

“In Misano I will test the V4… on [the] Monday,” he said. “It will be nice to see the potential of the new bike.”

This will be the first time Quartararo himself will get hands-on experience with the new engine configuration, after months of following updates from Yamaha’s test team.

However, the Frenchman was careful to temper expectations. While fans and pundits may see Misano as the beginning of Yamaha’s new era, Quartararo emphasized that the September test is just one step in a long process.

“It’s Not the Key Test”

Quartararo’s comments made it clear that while Misano will grab headlines, the most critical evaluation of the Yamaha V4 lies ahead.

“We will have Misano, and the Valencia test. But then the most important for me will be the pre-season test,” he explained.

“Because between Misano and Valencia, you cannot really change the bike. But between November and February, you have a lot of time to adjust. For me, February will be the most important test for a long time.”

This underlines Quartararo’s understanding of MotoGP development cycles. Initial tests like Misano offer feedback, but genuine progress requires winter months of refinement, where factories can introduce upgrades and adapt designs to rider feedback.

Early Impressions From Test Riders

Before Quartararo gets his chance, Yamaha’s test riders have already logged significant mileage on the V4. Augusto Fernandez recently revealed that the factory has been holding back full performance to manage the step-by-step process of development.

“The engine is not at its full potential; they don’t give us all the power yet,” Fernandez admitted.

Quartararo confirmed his awareness of the situation: “I know that it’s still slow, on the engine. But this is a point where it’s going to be crucial for the future, to have not only a bike that is fast, but also fast on the straights.”

The Frenchman’s remarks echo Yamaha’s long-standing weakness. While the M1 has been nimble in corners, it has struggled to match the straight-line speed of Ducati and KTM. A more powerful V4 is expected to close this gap, provided Yamaha can unlock its full potential in time.

The Need for a Radical Change

Yamaha’s struggles this season have highlighted why the V4 project cannot arrive soon enough. At the Red Bull Ring, Quartararo endured his most painful weekend of the season, finishing 15th and scoring just a single point, while Yamaha machines filled the bottom four positions.

“The problems we have in this track are the same problems [as elsewhere], but just much more,” he said.

Rear grip issues, poor acceleration, and the inability to utilize the stiffer rear tyre construction all compounded Yamaha’s woes. Quartararo has repeatedly stated that Yamaha cannot continue with the inline-four configuration.

“We cannot race again with the inline four, we are way too far, and we are not developing a lot with that bike,” he admitted. “So it’s pretty sure that we will race with the V4. I’m looking forward to test the bike, because I think we really need a change.”

Braking, Cornering, and Straight-Line Speed

The Yamaha V4 project is not only about horsepower. Engineers are targeting improvements in braking performance, with hopes that the new engine layout will allow riders to use more of the rear tyre for deceleration. This would address another area where Yamaha has fallen behind its rivals.

If the bike can combine stronger braking stability with much-needed straight-line power, Quartararo could finally have a machine capable of challenging Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia on equal terms.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Although the Misano and Valencia outings will provide important data, Quartararo has already shifted his focus to 2026. The pre-season test in February will allow Yamaha to deliver a much closer version of the final race package.

That year is particularly significant, as it will be the last season under MotoGP’s current 1000cc ruleset before new regulations arrive in 2027. Yamaha must ensure its V4 is competitive right from the start, or risk falling even further behind its rivals during a critical transition period.

The Pressure on Yamaha

For Quartararo, the stakes are personal as well as professional. The Frenchman has endured a frustrating campaign, watching Ducati dominate the grid while Yamaha struggles to even crack the top ten consistently. His contract extension was seen as a vote of confidence in Yamaha’s future project, but that faith depends heavily on the success of the V4.

If Yamaha’s gamble fails, the factory risks losing its star rider and falling into prolonged decline. But if the V4 delivers, Quartararo could once again find himself in championship contention, restoring the Yamaha name to the top of MotoGP.

Conclusion

Fabio Quartararo’s debut on Yamaha’s V4 prototype at Misano will undoubtedly be a major story in MotoGP, but the Frenchman is right to keep expectations in check. The September outing will provide a first taste, yet the true test will come during pre-season 2026, when Yamaha has the time and resources to refine its radical new machine.

For now, Quartararo remains cautiously optimistic. He knows that Yamaha’s future hinges on this bold move away from tradition, and he is eager to lead the project. Whether the V4 can return him to the front of the grid remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the countdown to a new Yamaha era has officially begun.