Yamaha V4 30% Different at Jerez, Still Not Enough

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Augusto Fernandez has revealed that Yamaha’s new V4 MotoGP machine is around 30 percent different from last year’s prototype, but admits it remains insufficiently competitive.

The assessment followed Fernandez’s wildcard appearance at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, where he emerged as Yamaha’s fastest rider in wet qualifying conditions. However, the circuit’s technical layout exposed key weaknesses in the bike’s handling.

Unlike the high-speed tracks earlier in the season that highlighted engine performance deficits, Jerez’s tight and twisty nature brought attention to front-end feel and cornering limitations—critical elements for rider confidence and stability.

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Fernandez echoed concerns raised by Fabio Quartararo, noting that the current V4 lacks the strong front-end feedback characteristic of Yamaha’s previous Inline engine configuration.

“The front feeling of the previous bike was incredible. Now we are missing that, along with other aspects,” Fernandez said.

“The bike is about 30 percent different, but it’s still not enough to be competitive.”

From a development standpoint, Yamaha is still searching for a baseline setup, leading to inconsistent performance and difficulty balancing cornering, grip, and power delivery.

“We still don’t have a clear direction. We know the problems—front feeling, turning, engine—but we haven’t yet identified the solution to improve overall pace,” he added.

Fernandez finished 13th in the Sprint before suffering a rear brake issue in the Grand Prix. Further testing is planned in Barcelona, although new MotoGP regulations will remove wildcard opportunities for test riders from 2027.

With development ongoing, Yamaha faces increasing pressure to establish a clear technical direction, particularly as the season progresses and performance gains become critical against leading rivals.