The latest MotoGP news is shaking up the paddock: Yamaha and the Pramac Racing team have finally tested the long-awaited V4 engine, an event that could represent a turning point for the Japanese manufacturer. This surprising development has caught the attention of top rivals such as Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez, forcing even Ducati and Honda to carefully evaluate the new threat.
The V4 engine test took place during the recent Shakedown in Sepang, marking a historic moment for Yamaha. After years of struggling due to the lack of top speed compared to the V4 engines of the competitors, Yamaha decided to radically change its technical philosophy. Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins had the honor of testing the new bike, while Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira of the Pramac team supported the development, contributing with their impressions of the improvements made.
According to early reports, Yamaha’s V4 engine appears to have closed the performance gap with Ducati and Aprilia, traditional rulers of straight-line speed. Bagnaia, reigning champion with Ducati, admitted he was surprised by the speed of the new Yamaha: “It’s clear that they are making progress. The V4 could change everything, and we can’t afford to underestimate them.” Marc Márquez, who will face his first full season with Ducati in 2025, also praised the progress of his Japanese rivals, stressing that the new engine represents a serious threat to the Borgo Panigale manufacturer’s dominance.
Yamaha’s change is not only technical, but also strategic. The Iwata manufacturer has adopted a more aggressive approach to development, thanks also to the concession system that allows continuous updates during the season. Furthermore, the collaboration with the Pramac team has allowed Yamaha to have two satellite bikes on the grid, offering a valuable opportunity to test different configurations and collect more extensive data.
Fabio Quartararo was enthusiastic about the progress: “Finally we can compete on equal terms. The V4 engine is the step forward we have been waiting for a long time. This gives us new confidence and the possibility to fight for the title.” Alex Rins, in his first year with Yamaha, also expressed satisfaction with the new bike, calling it “more competitive and adaptable” than in the past.
Despite the enthusiasm, Yamaha and Pramac are aware that the road to success is still long. Ducati remains the absolute point of reference, with a proven technical package and experienced riders such as Bagnaia and Márquez. Aprilia, for its part, continues to be one of the emerging forces, thanks to the talent of Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi. However, the V4 test is a clear signal: Yamaha is no longer willing to be left behind.
The reactions in the paddock were not long in coming. Other Japanese teams, particularly Honda, seem to have suffered the greatest backlash. After struggling seasons, Honda is looking to restructure its MotoGP program, and the success of Yamaha’s V4 could increase the pressure on HRC’s engineers. With Toprak Razgatlıoğlu expected to arrive in 2026, Honda knows it must offer a competitive bike to attract top talent and return to the top.
For now, fans and insiders are eager to see how the new V4 engine will perform in the official tests and the first races of the season. The inaugural Grand Prix of 2025 will be the first real test to understand if Yamaha can really challenge Ducati and Aprilia, breaking their dominance and restoring balance to the championship.
With a renewed strategy, a bolder mentality and the support of the Pramac team, Yamaha is preparing to write a new chapter in the history of MotoGP. The spotlight is on the V4, but also on the talent of Quartararo and Rins, who now have a potentially revolutionary tool in their hands. The 2025 season promises excitement and surprises, and Yamaha seems ready to play a leading role.
