Fernandez: Yamaha’s V4 Engine Still Not Fast Enough for MotoGP

According to private testing at Brno Circuit, test rider Augusto Fernandez states that Yamaha’s new V4 engine has not yet reached desired speeds — despite showing positive signs in development.

Yamaha — the only manufacturer still using an inline four engine in MotoGP — has been developing this V4 power unit since last year for the 2026 season. Currently, after 11 races in 2025, the team sits at the bottom of the constructors’ standings.

“It’s looking good and positive, but it’s still not fast enough,” reveals Fernandez who joined Yamaha this year.

Japanese engineers are choosing a gradual approach in development — not immediately providing full engine power to understand each process in detail. According to Fernandez, the team still needs more testing during this summer to accelerate the development process.

“They want to understand everything very well without breaking it. They give us performance little by little. In Japan, that’s how things work,” adds Fernandez.