Yamaha to Debut New V4 MotoGP Bike at San Marino GP

Yamaha has officially confirmed that its long-anticipated V4-engine MotoGP prototype will make its racing debut at the 2025 San Marino Grand Prix, marking a historic shift in the brand’s racing philosophy. The announcement came from Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director, who revealed that test rider Augusto Fernández will be entrusted with piloting the new machine during the Misano weekend on 12–14 September.

Credit: Drew Hill Photography

For decades, Yamaha has been known for its inline-four configuration, while rivals like Ducati, KTM, and Honda have favoured V4 engines for their superior power delivery and acceleration characteristics. The introduction of a V4 signals Yamaha’s intent to modernise and close the performance gap to its competitors. Fernández, whose role is primarily as a development rider, will provide the first true race data on the V4, offering engineers invaluable insights under full competitive conditions.

The Misano appearance will not be the end of the story. Following the San Marino GP, Yamaha is expected to give its current race riders, Fabio Quartararo and Jack Miller, an opportunity to test the V4 during the official post-race test at the same circuit. This move could accelerate development, especially with Miller bringing extensive V4 experience from his time with KTM and Ducati. Quartararo, in contrast, has only ever ridden Yamaha’s inline-four M1 and has admitted the transition will be a major adjustment for him.

The decision to fast-track the V4 project into a live race weekend underscores both Yamaha’s urgency and the risks involved. Development feedback from Fernández has been cautious—he has openly stated that the prototype is “not fast enough” yet, hinting that the debut is more about gathering data than fighting for results. Quartararo has also set a clear benchmark, saying he would support switching to the V4 only if it can lap within half a second of their current M1 package.

All eyes will be on Misano to see how the V4 performs under pressure. Beyond lap times, Yamaha will be analysing reliability, rideability, and rider feedback. The results could dictate the future direction of their MotoGP programme, potentially bringing the V4 into full-time competition as early as 2026. If the bike shows promise, the San Marino GP could be remembered as the moment Yamaha began its resurgence.