Yamaha check rider Augusto Fernandes defined the benefits the brand new V4 MotoGP bike has over the present inline-four model that shall be raced in 2025.
The Japanese producer introduced final 12 months that it might construct the primary modern-day V4 prototype in a bid to enhance on its declining type.
Since switching to four-stroke engines in 2002, Yamaha has caught to its inline four-cylinder engine design, profitable eight rider titles between Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Fabio Quartararo.
Nevertheless, since Suzuki left the grid in 2022, Yamaha has been an outlier on this regard.
The V4 made its racing debut on the San Marino Grand Prix alongside Augusto Fernandez, ending 14th on the penultimate grid, 61.504 seconds behind the chief.
In comparison with the very best Yamaha rider (Fabio Quartararo in eighth place), Fernandes was 40.54 seconds behind.
Within the second race, the Malaysian Grand Prix, Fernandes completed near the highest in 18th place, 47.060 seconds behind, however the main Yamaha had a 35.5 second lead.
Nevertheless, Fernandes mentioned the V4 “wants one thing else” after a troublesome Sepang weekend.
Yamaha is at the moment being conservative about how a lot energy it squeezes out of its V4 engine, however Fernandes nonetheless sees some positives in comparison with the present bike.
“It is smoother than the (inline-four) M1,” he mentioned. Empty Italy.
“We’re not utilizing it to its fullest potential, we’re simply chilling out a bit of bit and analyzing every step.
“The entrance must be sorted out, however the throttle-to-tire connection is healthier. Grip administration is a lot better, particularly the way in which we perceive tire drop.”
“And the experience high quality is nice.”
Fernandes understands Quartararo’s impatience
When Quartararo examined it at Misano, he was lower than impressed with the V4, noting that it had comparable issues to the inline four-cylinder.
The V4 challenge is seen as Yamaha’s closing try to persuade Quartararo to remain past 2026.
Fernandes understands why Quartararo is anxious, however is assured a aggressive bike “will certainly come”.
“I perceive Fabio as a result of he’s somebody who desires to win tomorrow,” he mentioned forward of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
“However you continue to want a bit of little bit of persistence. Right here in Malaysia in V4, you’ll wrestle, identical to in Misano, as a result of there are two brief straights and when you get to sector 4… that is not the purpose the place try to be your instances.”
“We’ve to give attention to the sensation. However I am certain we’ll provide you with a very good bike.”
Fernandes is anticipated to return as a wildcard within the Valencia Grand Prix closing, however is anticipated to successfully retire his inline-four bike after the post-race check.
