Yamaha’s new V4 engine for MotoGP is about to make its debut on European tracks – in a private test in Valencia later this week.
According to Motorsport.com, the Iwata-based manufacturer plans to test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo tomorrow and Wednesday, with Augusto Fernández and Cal Crutchlow.
Andrea Dovizioso is also working with Yamaha and has been specifically assigned to the new engine project. However, he recently suffered a domestic incident that left him with a fractured collarbone, so he is unable to ride.
In February, the V4 was tested at Sepang, in a very early version. There is still no prediction for when it will be introduced into the race bike, as it is still under development and there are no clear indications yet on whether it is substantially better than the current inline four-cylinder engine.
Yamaha remains the only manufacturer in MotoGP without a V4, after Suzuki’s departure at the end of 2022. The need to find a way to regain competitiveness after the downturn in recent years, as well as pressure from the riders – particularly Fabio Quartararo – has led to exploring this avenue.