Here’s a bold statement: Yamaha’s new V4-powered M1 is facing some serious growing pains, and Fabio Quartararo isn’t holding back about it. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some riders have offered mixed reactions, the 2021 world champion is crystal clear about what’s still missing. After the Valencia MotoGP test, Quartararo shed light on the bike’s shortcomings, and it’s not just about power. Let’s dive in.
Quartararo, a rider known for his precision and feedback, got his second chance to test Yamaha’s 2026 contender after the Misano test, where he bluntly described the new bike as “worse” than its inline-four predecessor. This week, he completed 46 laps at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, finishing as the top Yamaha rider in 15th place—0.554 seconds behind Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez on the 2025 Aprilia RS-GP. And this is the part most people miss—despite the effort, the V4 M1 still lacks the front-end stability that made the inline-four so reliable, and its power delivery remains muted as Yamaha keeps the engine in a cautious ‘safe mode.’
In a candid interview, Quartararo emphasized the need to find a baseline setup. ‘With the inline-four, we had a fantastic front end,’ he explained. ‘Right now, that’s missing. We’re essentially starting from scratch to find the right balance.’ Power, he added, is an obvious issue, but grip hasn’t improved as expected either. ‘We have another day of testing, and it’s crucial we give the engineers clear direction,’ he said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
What’s striking is the lack of significant upgrades since Misano. While Yamaha’s test rider Augusto Fernandez debuted a new frame at the Valencia Grand Prix, Quartararo’s side of the garage hasn’t seen major changes. ‘We’re riding practically the same bike as before,’ he noted. ‘I wouldn’t call it a step forward.’ However, he remains hopeful about testing new components, like aerodynamics, on the final day.
When asked if he’s more positive about the bike, Quartararo corrected, ‘I’m more neutral. There’s no point in overstating things. We need to guide the engineers effectively.’ He pointed out specific issues: the bike’s turning ability, power deficits, and inconsistent grip. ‘We’re missing quite a lot,’ he admitted, ‘but tomorrow’s data will be crucial for progress.’
Yamaha’s decision to switch to the V4-spec M1, announced just before the Valencia GP, marks a significant shift. Quartararo briefly rode his 2025 inline-four bike at Valencia but quickly transitioned to the V4, setting his fastest lap on the new machine. Interestingly, Yamaha might bring the outgoing bike to the February Sepang test for comparison, though Quartararo doubts riders will spend much time on it.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Yamaha moving too quickly with the V4 transition, or is this growing pain necessary for long-term success? Quartararo’s feedback suggests the bike is far from race-ready, but progress is happening—slowly. What do you think? Is Yamaha on the right track, or should they revisit the inline-four’s strengths? Let us know in the comments below!
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