Yamaha won't test its V4 MotoGP engine at Aragon as “focus” stays on inline motor

Yamaha will not try out its prototype V4 engine at the post-weekend Aragon MotoGP test.

At Silverstone, the image was clear to see. The Yamaha bikes struggling down the straights while being reeled in by the red rockets that were the factory Ducati bikes.

It was a similar story at the MotorLand track for last year’s Aragon Grand Prix, with Fabio Quartararo powerless to stop Francesco Bagnaia powering past down the backstraight during the latter’s recovery drive through the field.

Yamaha knows it needs to change its engine methodology not only to increase straightline performance but also to improve the rear grip characteristics of its bike. The V4 engine designed to replace its current inline configuration has been much discussed and has already been tested but its public ventures with the powerplant are limited.

At the Aragon track the situation was no different with test rider Augusto Fernandez revealing little to the press.

“We have two engines,” explained Fernandez. “I don’t which one will be better, but the plan is that we have two engines to try and let’s see if we have some benefits.”

Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing, Augusto Fernandez, Yamaha Factory Racing

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

When questioned about what the other engine is, Fernandez decisively confirmed which engine configuration was being tested this weekend.

“Inline,” firmly said Fernandez. “The V4 project, as I said, won’t be here, not even on Monday. The [inline] development for this is apart so we are in two projects. So, this weekend we focus on the inline. The job is to compare and to have a competitive bike.”

While Yamaha is focusing on engine development in the background, it has still had a burst of competitiveness of late, particularly in the hands of Quartararo. However, the 2021 champion wasn’t holding back when he discussed the performance of the bike last year.

“Last year we were slow everywhere,” said Quartararo. “In the race and in qualifying. Now we are making steps on one lap that basically that is super important because we miss some speed on the straight but it’s also great to be at the front. But right now, we struggle a little bit with electronics and the temperature of the rear tyre.”

When asked about the V4 engine, Quartararo didn’t want to reveal too much about what was happening behind the scenes at Yamaha.

"We will try a new engine on Monday then I don’t know the other pieces," explained Quartararo. "Everybody knows that we’re missing grip and we will try to find a configuration to improve it. The only thing I know at the moment is the engine."

Polesitter Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing

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

When pushed further about what “new engine” Quartararo was talking about, the Frenchman shrugged with a sly grin.

“We don’t know, it’s a surprise!” Quartararo joked.

Evidently, the Yamaha riders are keeping their cards close to their chests and while Yamaha’s YZR-M1 has shown considerable improvement of late, there’s no doubt that some more engine development wouldn’t go amiss.