Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Edition

Global Global

Fabio Quartararo wants to test Yamaha’s V4 MotoGP bike even if it's slower

The factory Yamaha rider says he is prepared to gamble on the new V4-powered bike as long as it is within half a second of the current MotoGP machine

Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing

Factory Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo has said he would be happy to race its new V4 MotoGP bike this year provided its performance comes within half a second of the current in-line four.

After the four Yamahas brought up the rear of the field at last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, there have been calls for the Japanese manufacturer to race the new machine earlier than envisioned.

As the feeling grows in the paddock that Yamaha has little to lose given the Austrian debacle, Quartararo was quizzed about the V4 ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Frenchman was openly against Yamaha’s cautious timeline, which likely involves the race riders only getting a first taste of the machine at next month’s Misano test. Until now, only test riders have ridden the V4 – a project that began last year.

“Yes, I wanted to test it [already],” said the 2021 world champion. “But I think they are late in the development of the bike.

“My feeling was we had to test it [already], but I’m not the one that chooses if I need to ride the bike or not. I think they are scared that the bike is not ready and is not good enough for me to try it.”

Alex Rins, Yamaha Factory Racing

Alex Rins, Yamaha Factory Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images

Quartararo was also open to the idea of racing the V4 this year: “I mean, it depends how good or bad it is, but of course we need a change. And also it would be an idea for us to see where our bike is.”

Pressed for a more precise definition of “how good or bad it is”, Quartararo was asked whether the V4 being within half a second of the current in-line four would represent enough promise to enter races immediately.

“For me, I think yes. I mean, I think that if I try it and I’m less than half a second off my lap time, I think it’s a good step. Because it would be the first time that I would really use it.”

Yamaha has thus far only drip-fed information about the new bike, and is yet to test it in public. But ahead of last month’s Czech Grand Prix, Quartararo's team-mate Alex Rins let slip that it was, at that point, roughly two seconds a lap off the current machine.

Read Also:
In this article
Be the first to know and subscribe for real-time news email updates on these topics
Previous article Diogo Moreira to join Honda ahead of 2026 MotoGP debut
Next article Francesco Bagnaia will find his championship-winning form, says Marc Marquez

Top Comments

Recommended for you

Winners and losers of IndyCar Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250

Winners and losers of IndyCar Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250

IndyCar
Milwaukee
Winners and losers of IndyCar Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250
'We don't want a chess game' - FIA responds to claims F1’s 2026 cars are too complex

'We don't want a chess game' - FIA responds to claims F1’s 2026 cars are too complex

Formula 1
'We don't want a chess game' - FIA responds to claims F1’s 2026 cars are too complex
Denny Hamlin fires back after Mamba Smith's Daytona prank in viral X social media exchange

Denny Hamlin fires back after Mamba Smith's Daytona prank in viral X social media exchange

NASCAR Cup
Daytona II
Denny Hamlin fires back after Mamba Smith's Daytona prank in viral X social media exchange
Ryan Blaney responds to Alex Bowman's promise of "seven million beers" with counter-offer

Ryan Blaney responds to Alex Bowman's promise of "seven million beers" with counter-offer

NASCAR Cup
Daytona II
Ryan Blaney responds to Alex Bowman's promise of "seven million beers" with counter-offer
Leigh Diffey confronts criticism after Daytona regular season finale

Leigh Diffey confronts criticism after Daytona regular season finale

NASCAR Cup
Daytona II
Leigh Diffey confronts criticism after Daytona regular season finale
Alexander Rossi thrilled for ECR’s Milwaukee success after “missed opportunities”

Alexander Rossi thrilled for ECR’s Milwaukee success after “missed opportunities”

IndyCar
Milwaukee
Alexander Rossi thrilled for ECR’s Milwaukee success after “missed opportunities”
Denny Hamlin says Bubba Wallace at fault for pileup crash: "Not clear"

Denny Hamlin says Bubba Wallace at fault for pileup crash: "Not clear"

NASCAR Cup
Daytona II
Denny Hamlin says Bubba Wallace at fault for pileup crash: "Not clear"
Christian Rasmussen steals maiden IndyCar win after late weather caution

Christian Rasmussen steals maiden IndyCar win after late weather caution

IndyCar
Milwaukee
Christian Rasmussen steals maiden IndyCar win after late weather caution

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Edition

Global Global
Filters