MotoGP - This is Yamaha's new MotoGP bike: All information about the V4 engine and the Misano wildcard

It's actually a curiosity: On the MotoGP weekend in Misano , all eyes will be on the test rider of the season's weakest manufacturer. Wildcard rider Augusto Fernandez will be debuting Yamaha 's new V4 engine in a race. And the Japanese brand didn't hold back on Thursday. They proudly presented their new machine at a specially convened press conference. We have all the information you need about the technological sensation of the year.

Let's start with the most obvious question of all: What is this new motorcycle called? The answer is simple. Although the inline engine is being replaced, the model continues to bear the name YZR-M1. So nothing has changed, but the name should really be the only familiar thing. You can see the presentation and the motorcycle in our gallery here:

"We wanted a project that would hopefully be better balanced than the current one and capable of achieving more power. The big challenge was to build the entire motorcycle around the engine," explains Yamaha's Technical Director Max Bartolini. In fact, it's a completely new development: "Our team developed a coherent overall package: power delivery, chassis balance, and aerodynamics were all coordinated as a system." The aerodynamics, in particular, now appear more integrated and not simply tacked on. Even more important, however, is the new internals.

Takahiro Sumi also emphasized the effort Yamaha put into developing the V4 model. The head of motorsport traveled from Japan especially for the occasion. "From a technical perspective, the project is simple. For example, it's about making better use of the tires. But the big challenge was: How can we achieve this as a project? In current MotoGP, it's completely new to have a completely new machine developed concurrently with an ongoing project," he emphasized, adding that the issue wasn't just financial. Personnel and work processes also had to be reorganized for these parallel developments.

The goal of the whole thing is simple: "Of course, our hope is to become winners again with this project. But the path to achieving this isn't so easy." At least there are already some positive signs. Test rider Andrea Dovizioso reported on the tests: "The braking and handling felt significantly better [compared to the standard model, ed.]. We found the grip and were able to manage it." Bartolini also took a look at the same issue: "Our biggest problem is grip. Hopefully, this new setup of the bike can help generate more of it."

Whether these hopes will truly be fulfilled remains to be seen on the racetrack. The switch to the V4 motorcycle for the 2026 season hasn't been decided yet. However, the wildcard appearance should make the decision easier. "The task of the new prototype is to match the performance level of this year's race bike. I think we're getting closer to that. Before we make our final decision, we have to do exactly what begins tomorrow. We have to subject the bike to the stress of a race weekend," announced Yamaha team principal Paolo Pavesio.

Augusto Fernandez will take on this task. Yamaha is extremely pleased with his work, as the extension of his contract until 2027 was also announced during the press conference. However, the Spaniard isn't looking that far ahead for now. He's excited about the weekend: "It's a big moment. I'm very proud to be part of it, and it will be an honor to be the first rider to race this bike." He doesn't have a target result: "Honestly, there are no expectations. We know where we stand with this project and that there's still work to be done. The best test is racing. I'm really excited."

Yamaha's regular riders had the opportunity to try out the V4 for the first time at a private test last Monday in Barcelona . Unfortunately, their employers put a gag order on them for the day. However, Alex Rins was at least able to report on a previous test of the V4: "Augusto and I were there at the Brno test. I did a few laps with him and pushed hard to test the [old] bike. From what I saw in that test, I have to say: The [new] bike looks great."

It's no wonder that everyone at Yamaha is eager to see the V4 engine in action for the first time this weekend. "I'll be watching because it's obviously very interesting, and I'll talk to him [Fernandez] at the end of the session to find out what he can tell me about it [the V4 engine]," announced Fabio Quartararo .

Rins even dreamed of a sensation: "They [the team] are happy. When this wildcard was announced, it was great news for us. Certainly, in addition to our own work, we'll have a look at Augusto this weekend. It would, of course, be fantastic if he could beat us. That would be crazy, but in a good way."

If that's actually the case, the drivers won't benefit from the performance upgrade until 2026. Wildcard entries are subject to relaxed technical regulations so that new components can be tested in races. For regular drivers, however, there are update limits per season. When Jack Miller was asked about the number of chassis updates on his M1, he let the cat out of the bag: "There are two. It won't happen again. There's no chance."

What does that mean? Only two updates per year are possible. Yamaha has already implemented both. Installing the V4 would, of course, have required significant chassis modifications. "Due to the regulations, that's not possible," Pavesio also confirmed. The regular riders are therefore forced to finish the 2025 season with the inline engine. They will only be able to enjoy the V4 during test rides. This will be the case at the Monday test after the Grand Prix, when they will be able to ride the two motorcycles from Fernandez's garage. The Spaniard, on the other hand, will be able to demonstrate for himself what the new engine is capable of this weekend. The eyes of the MotoGP paddock will be on him.

Curious about the V4 Yamaha's first appearance? Here's everything you need to know about watching the San Marino GP in Misano: