Fabio Quartararo Delivers Honest Verdict on New Yamaha V4 Wing

Fabio Quartararo has delivered a candid assessment of Yamaha's latest aerodynamic development after ending the 2026 Catalunya MotoGP Test as the second-fastest rider. Despite the encouraging result, the Frenchman insisted there was nothing particularly revolutionary about the new package evaluated during Monday's post-race session.

The primary focus of Quartararo's test programme was a revised front wing developed for Yamaha's V4 project. The component combines elements from Yamaha's latest 2026 aerodynamic package with characteristics from the older tri-plane design previously used on the manufacturer's inline-four machine.

The evaluation follows Quartararo's ongoing search for improved front-end feeling. Since the Jerez test, the 2021 MotoGP World Champion has returned to using the older aerodynamic specification after struggling to find confidence with Yamaha's latest front-wing concept during the opening rounds of the season.

Baca JugaFabio Quartararo Ungkap Fakta di Balik Sayap Baru Yamaha V4

"We tested a front wing and some settings. And that's it. Nothing really special, also some electronics."

When asked about the characteristics of the new design, Quartararo explained that it closely resembled the previous tri-plane concept. However, he admitted the difference on track was minimal.

"More like the triplane one. So this is why I wanted to test it. But it was really, really similar."

Although Quartararo finished second fastest behind Pedro Acosta and KTM, he downplayed the significance of the result. According to the Yamaha rider, exceptional track grip conditions played a major role in producing the competitive lap times seen during the shortened test session.

"We're just trying to improve our feeling with the bike. Try to have more consistency, because the grip of the track was amazing today."

"I did my best lap time without pushing like in qualifying and I also did two 1m38s laps in a row."

One of Yamaha's major weaknesses remains top speed. While the revised aerodynamic package showed some positive characteristics in high-grip conditions, Quartararo admitted the motorcycle continues to struggle compared to its direct rivals on the straights.

"The run before was the first with the new wings. So when the track has a lot of grip, it's good, but also the top speed is weak. But it is what it is."

Attention also remains focused on Yamaha's long-awaited V4 engine programme, which has become one of the most closely watched development projects in MotoGP. However, Quartararo confirmed that no new engine specification was available during the Catalunya test.

"No. We used an old engine with a lot of mileage, you can see on the top speed."

"I think I took a big slipstream for my best speed today, but in general it was slow."

His comments underline the scale of Yamaha's challenge as it seeks to close the gap to Ducati, KTM and Aprilia. While aerodynamic improvements continue to be introduced, engine performance remains the area where Quartararo is still waiting for a significant breakthrough.

Nevertheless, the French rider confirmed that Yamaha completed all of its planned test items despite rain arriving during the lunch break. The information gathered in Catalunya is expected to play a key role in guiding the manufacturer's development programme ahead of the next phase of the 2026 MotoGP season.