Yamaha has conceded that its new V4 MotoGP engine must deliver more power after a difficult start to its 2026 season testing programme at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The Japanese manufacturer struggled during the official pre-season test, finishing behind all other MotoGP factory teams and more than a second off the fastest pace.
The week in Malaysia was marred by multiple setbacks. On the first day, Yamaha’s lead rider Fabio Quartararo fractured a finger in a crash and was unable to continue testing. Separately, the team decided to halt all running for an entire test day to examine concerns related to the new V4 engine that affected both Quartararo and Pramac Yamaha rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Yamaha sporting manager Maio Meregalli made it clear that while the overall bike feels rideable and well balanced, the engine remains the weakest part of the package. “The area that we have to improve the most is power because the bike is rideable and the balance is good,” he said. “The bike itself is not performing badly, but top speed is lacking.”
Pramac team manager Gino Borsoi agreed, noting the chassis shows potential but the team must improve straight-line performance to be competitive with rivals. Yamaha is already working on an updated engine specification, though the timing of its introduction has yet to be confirmed.
Source: Crash.net
Testing in Malaysia was further constrained by a limited supply of parts and engines. Yamaha brought a single set of components to cover both the Sepang and upcoming Buriram tests, meaning riders could only complete planned laps without extensive extra running.
Despite the challenges, Yamaha completed much of its planned programme and gathered useful data. The team evaluated key elements including the chassis, swingarm and aerodynamics, and will use the remaining pre-season tests to refine settings and pursue improvements to the V4 engine.
The Sepang test underscored the scale of Yamaha’s task as it transitions to the V4 configuration for the first time. The change marks a major shift away from the inline-four engines the marque has used for decades and reflects its effort to close the performance gap to rivals like Ducati, Aprilia and Honda.
Yamaha now turns its attention to the next official test in Buriram, Thailand, with expectations high that further development will bring gains ahead of the first round of the 2026 MotoGP season.
