Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled its V4-powered YZR-M1 today in Misano. The presentation of the prototype so early in the 2025 season underlines Yamaha's bold new approach to bike development. The V4 prototype will be seen in action around the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli this weekend, piloted by Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team's Augusto Fernández, who enters the Grand Prix of San Marino as a wild card. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins will also have a chance to ride the new prototype again, this time in public during Monday's San Marino MotoGP Test.
The highly anticipated Yamaha V4-powered prototype unveiling event took place today inside the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP hospitality at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Yamaha's management proudly presented the brand-new bike, designed to suit the V4 engine.
The introduction of the prototype at only Round 16 of the MotoGP World Championship reflects Yamaha's long-term commitment to advancing motorcycle innovation and their new 'more aggressive approach' to bike development.
Yamaha Motor Company's General Manager of Motor Sports Development Division Takahiro Sumi, Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio, Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, and Technical Director Max Bartolinishared their excitement to start this new chapter, discussing Yamaha's dedication towards the V4 engine and bike development, the new Yamaha structure and mindset in 2025, and the preparations for 2026.
Test Rider and Rider Performance Advisor Andrea Dovizioso and Official MotoGP Test Rider for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team Augusto Fernández were also put in the spotlight as major contributors to the V4 project. Through their expertise and precision, the two riders have shown themselves to be a cohesive and highly effective team, providing valuable support to the collaborative efforts of Yamaha's test riders, engineers, and the full-time MotoGP teams and riders.
The unveiling event included a first view of Fernández's bike, sporting a full-blue Yamaha corporate livery.
Fernández will be riding the V4-powered prototype as a wild card during the San Marino GP, allowing MotoGP enthusiasts the world over to see the brand-new prototype in action for the very first time.
Fernández, who announced he has recently signed on as an Official Test Rider for Yamaha in 2026-2027, has already ridden the new bike in various private Yamaha tests, one of them held at the Misano track.
With the upcoming wild-card entry for the Grand Prix of San Marino, Yamaha aims to have Fernández try the prototype bike in a MotoGP race-weekend setting.
The sole purpose of the wild card is data gathering. No bike development decisions will be based on this weekend's results.
MotoGP media and fans will also be able to get a first glimpse of Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins in action aboard the new bike on Monday 15th during the San Marino MotoGP Test.
Want to see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the V4-powered prototype development? Check out Yamaha's 'The Blue Shift' YouTube Series latest episode: The Blue Shift | Episode 3 – Plan V
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