Yamaha's V4 MotoGP Engine Woes: Sepang Test Reveals Power Gap
The sound from Sepang has turned into a resounding alarm for Yamaha as their much-anticipated V4 MotoGP engine is confirmed to be significantly underpowered. This challenging start to the pre-season puts immense pressure on the Iwata factory and star rider Fabio Quartararo to find a crucial performance boost.
Key Takeaways from Sepang:
- Yamaha's new V4 MotoGP engine lacks the necessary power, trailing competitors.
- The team finished last among manufacturers at the Sepang test, over a second off the pace.
- Fabio Quartararo suffered a broken finger, cutting his valuable test time short.
- Safety concerns forced Yamaha to skip an entire day of testing due to engine issues.
Sepang's Grim Verdict: A Power Deficit
Yamaha's performance at the opening pre-season test in Sepang was undeniably concerning. The new M1 with its V4 engine lagged significantly, positioning the team last among the five manufacturers and a full second behind the fastest bikes. This gap highlights a critical area of weakness that needs immediate attention.
Adding to the team's woes, Fabio Quartararo endured a crash that resulted in a broken finger, forcing him to withdraw early. Furthermore, engine safety issues affected both Quartararo and rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu, leading Yamaha to sit out an entire day of crucial testing. Maio Meregalli, Yamaha's Sporting Manager, openly conceded to MotoGP.com that
