Yamaha are heading into the 2026 MotoGP season after encountering several setbacks in testing with the V4 engine.
Yamaha admit they are ’15 years behind’. Compared to their competitors with the V4 project. The project will likely take time to become a competitive package, but the scale of their case is alarming.
Fabio Quatararo He was ruled out of the final two days of Sepang after breaking a finger on his right hand in a crash on day one. Before retiring from testing, he experienced engine trouble with the V4.
Yamaha suspended all operations in Malaysia for two days after failing to find a solution to the problem. They will soon solve the case, but it is reported that they were Yamaha had an engine problem during the rally at Sepang.
Pol Espargaro says Yamaha ‘very concerned’ about Fabio Quatararo injury amid V4 woes.
On the third day of testing, Yamaha returned to the track with Alex Rins, test rider Augusto Fernandez and Pramac’s Jack Miller and Torak Razgatlioglu. At the end of the session, it was Rins who finished his time for YamahaBut he was more than a second behind Alex Marquez at the front.
The remaining three riders were towards the bottom of the time sheet. Quatararo is no longer in Malaysia.Yamaha was very upset when he went to investigate the damage.
The Iwata outfit has had a terrible start to the 2026 season as the V4 engine clearly lacks power and performance compared to its rivals. Quattroro’s injury doesn’t help matters, especially with Buriram’s challenge coming up. Paul Espargaro Notes.
The Spaniard told him. DAZN Yamaha are ‘very concerned’ about the Frenchman’s injuries going into the test and the season opener. Espargaro also criticized the V4 project.
“Yama’s biggest concern is Fabio’s burn on his arm and broken finger because we are coming to Thailand,” he said.
But not only does the V4 lack top speed, the engines are failing at 15km/h less. The V4 project is not going well.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Fabio Quartararo from net worth to career statistics
Where is Fabio Quatararo heading for 2027?
The current state of the Yamaha V4 will do little to convince Quattararo that he should stay with the team beyond 2026. In fact, rumors are already suggesting he has already decided to leave.
Johan Zarco asked Quartararo to join a European brand. In 2027, they are linked with Ducati and Aprilia for the 2021 champion. But a move to an Italian team is unlikely.
Apria rejected Quartararo’s salary request. When they go over their budget. Subsequently, the Frenchman started negotiations with Honda, in which he is said to have signed with the team.
HRC main Alberto Puig called Quatararo a ‘fantastic’ rider. In the middle of the rumor. Honda and Yamaha riders have been tight-lipped on the matter, but an agreement between the two sides seems likely for 2027.
