P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Technical Director Max Bartolini admits Yamaha “took the difficult route” to make sure its V4 engine was ready for the 2026 MotoGP season.
Yamaha’s Technical Director Max Bartolini acknowledged that the company faced challenges in preparing their V4 engine for the 2026 MotoGP season, describing it as the “difficult route.”
The decision to switch from the original Inline4 to the V4 engine came after three wildcard appearances by Augusto Fernandez, signaling a significant change in Yamaha’s approach.
Bartolini revealed that they encountered unforeseen differences between the two engines, prompting them to navigate through difficulties to address these issues for the upcoming season.
He emphasized the complexities of managing various aspects with the V4 engine, such as temperature control, fuel consumption, and oil temperature, making it a tough transition for the team.
Yamaha’s experience with the inline four-cylinder engine posed challenges in adapting to the V4 configuration, leading them to take a strategic approach to overcome obstacles in 2026.
Looking ahead, Bartolini outlined plans for the new engine regulations, highlighting the shift to a smaller 850cc engine size and viewing the upcoming season as a test phase to optimize their bike for 2027.
