P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Yamaha wants its next MotoGP V4 wildcard to be in “extreme conditions”.
The San Marino Grand Prix happening this weekend (12–14 September) sees the debut of the Yamaha V4 MotoGP engine in a race setting, with talks of a follow-up wildcard already in the works. Augusto Fernandez, Yamaha’s official MotoGP test rider, is currently riding the V4-powered YZR-M1 in Misano and may do so in the second wildcard as well. Previously, it was rumored that Yamaha would trial the engine at its home race in Motegi, but plans have shifted towards Sepang for testing due to the extreme conditions it offers. Monster Energy Yamaha team manager, Maio Meregalli, mentioned that this wildcard is crucial for collecting data to prepare for the V4’s full integration in 2026 across all factory bikes. The factory riders, Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo, also tested the V4 in a private session after the Catalan Grand Prix and will have another test post the San Marino race. Despite desires like Jack Miller wanting to race the V4 for the remainder of the season for development, restrictions on homologation and lack of resources make this unfeasible, with Yamaha focusing on thorough testing and data gathering to optimize their V4-equipped bikes.
