{"id":1878206,"date":"2026-04-11T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1878206"},"modified":"2026-04-11T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T07:00:00","slug":"time-will-tell-if-courageous-yamaha-v4-motogp-strategy-was-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1878206","title":{"rendered":"\u201cTime will tell\u201d if \u201ccourageous\u201d Yamaha V4 MotoGP strategy was right"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>\u201cTime will tell\u201d if \u201ccourageous\u201d Yamaha V4 MotoGP strategy was right<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Livio Suppo calls Yamaha\u2019s 2026 V4 MotoGP switch \u201ccourageous\u201d but warns only time will tell if the &#8220;risky&#8221; strategy succeeds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-11T11:00:00+01:00\">11 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Quartararo, Razgatlioglu, Miller, Rins, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Livio Suppo says only time will tell whether Yamaha\u2019s \u201ccourageous\u201d decision to switch to a V4 engine in MotoGP will pay off.<\/p>\n<p>After racing an inline engine since the start of the MotoGP era, Yamaha began developing a parallel V4 project last season.<\/p>\n<p>The factory then committed fully to the V4 for 2026, partly with an eye on the incoming 850cc regulations, where reduced fairing width will favour a narrower V configuration.<\/p>\n<p>However, the 1000cc V4 is currently proving less competitive than the previous inline concept, and must be developed alongside a new 850cc\/Pirelli bike.<\/p>\n<p>Star rider Fabio Quartararo has struggled to hide his frustration and is already rumoured to be on his way to Honda for 2027.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While the Frenchman qualified fourth in Brazil, then finished sixth in the Sprint, the bike is yet to finish higher than 14th in a grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>Yamaha remains last in the constructors\u2019 standings, with 19 fewer points than at the same stage last season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-83268dd3647486089ac176595b55c06317b1afb98a7033680624893d8b5b4e49\">  Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle   Quartararo praises Toprak Razgatlioglu\u2019s COTA performance: \u201cLike Superbike\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Quartararo is Yamaha&#8217;s top rider but only 17th in the riders\u2019 ranking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe problem is that Yamaha has chosen a very difficult path; I had already criticised their decision in some way,\u201d Suppo told <em>GPOne.com<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s true that everything will change next year, but it\u2019s also true that by making both the 1000cc V4 and the 850cc at the same time, the risk is that instead of doing one thing well, they do two things badly.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-34ff5a1993555fec6c7a74d21b2f1f36fb2001eacf9c6ec41964fb0157a559ab\">  Jack Miller: Yamaha MotoGP riders &#8220;like a lamb to slaughter\u201d on COTA straight   \u201cWhat the hell am I doing here?\u201d: Yamaha MotoGP struggles getting to one rider <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cLast year, the bike with the Inline4 wasn&#8217;t fully competitive, but it took five pole positions, and Quartararo would have won at Silverstone without the ride-height valve breaking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe [V4], in its current state, seems a long way from achieving that kind of performance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Despite the current difficulties, Suppo acknowledged the bold nature of Yamaha\u2019s approach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve chosen a strategy that\u2019s certainly very courageous and even commendable from a certain point of view.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey said: we&#8217;ll get to work this year to make sure the bike is better next year.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cTime will tell if they were right.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Yamaha<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Fabio Quartararo<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Toprak Razgatlioglu<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Alex Rins<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Jack Miller<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Maverick Vinales explains suspected cause of \u2018loose screw\u2019 injury<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-b68c590959768ccb3777bb4e2776cc72a02164a14adfbdfac978b99ca439c518\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-add490c78907d917b424661b89d2d578e6274611f312aeff706ca08a6240fecf\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775289600\"> 04\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303921_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi leads, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Fabio Quartararo wants Yamaha to see that it is slow at Jerez<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775130388\"> 02\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302295_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP manufacturers \u201chappy\u201d after crunch Liberty meeting, 2027 rider deals imminent?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775059194\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304360_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Start, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fabio Quartararo\u2019s sobering Yamaha claim: \u2018They\u2019ve no idea how to fix the problems\u2019<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774879097\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1301169_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bittersweet first MotoGP point for Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac \u201cmorale boost\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774868375\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1304211_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Razgatlioglu, Quartararo, Miller, Rins, US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2026 US MotoGP, COTA &#8211; Race Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774817133\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303843_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Acosta, Martin, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Livio Suppo calls Yamaha\u2019s 2026 V4 MotoGP switch \u201ccourageous\u201d but warns only time will tell if the &#8220;risky&#8221; strategy succeeds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Livio Suppo says only time will tell whether Yamaha\u2019s \u201ccourageous\u201d decision to switch to a V4 engine in MotoGP will pay off.<\/p>\n<p>After racing an inline engine since the start of the MotoGP era, Yamaha began developing a parallel V4 project last season.<\/p>\n<p>The factory then committed fully to the V4 for 2026, partly with an eye on the incoming 850cc regulations, where reduced fairing width will favour a narrower V configuration.<\/p>\n<p>However, the 1000cc V4 is currently proving less competitive than the previous inline concept, and must be developed alongside a new 850cc\/Pirelli bike.<\/p>\n<p>Star rider Fabio Quartararo has struggled to hide his frustration and is already rumoured to be on his way to Honda for 2027.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While the Frenchman qualified fourth in Brazil, then finished sixth in the Sprint, the bike is yet to finish higher than 14th in a grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>Yamaha remains last in the constructors\u2019 standings, with 19 fewer points than at the same stage last season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-83268dd3647486089ac176595b55c06317b1afb98a7033680624893d8b5b4e49\">  Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle   Quartararo praises Toprak Razgatlioglu\u2019s COTA performance: \u201cLike Superbike\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Quartararo is Yamaha&#8217;s top rider but only 17th in the riders\u2019 ranking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe problem is that Yamaha has chosen a very difficult path; I had already criticised their decision in some way,\u201d Suppo told <em>GPOne.com<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s true that everything will change next year, but it\u2019s also true that by making both the 1000cc V4 and the 850cc at the same time, the risk is that instead of doing one thing well, they do two things badly.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-34ff5a1993555fec6c7a74d21b2f1f36fb2001eacf9c6ec41964fb0157a559ab\">  Jack Miller: Yamaha MotoGP riders &#8220;like a lamb to slaughter\u201d on COTA straight   \u201cWhat the hell am I doing here?\u201d: Yamaha MotoGP struggles getting to one rider <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cLast year, the bike with the Inline4 wasn&#8217;t fully competitive, but it took five pole positions, and Quartararo would have won at Silverstone without the ride-height valve breaking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe [V4], in its current state, seems a long way from achieving that kind of performance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Despite the current difficulties, Suppo acknowledged the bold nature of Yamaha\u2019s approach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve chosen a strategy that\u2019s certainly very courageous and even commendable from a certain point of view.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey said: we&#8217;ll get to work this year to make sure the bike is better next year.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cTime will tell if they were right.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Livio Suppo says only time will tell whether Yamaha\u2019s \u201ccourageous\u201d decision to switch to a V4 engine in MotoGP will pay off.<\/p>\n<p>After racing an inline engine since the start of the MotoGP era, Yamaha began developing a parallel V4 project last season.<\/p>\n<p>The factory then committed fully to the V4 for 2026, partly with an eye on the incoming 850cc regulations, where reduced fairing width will favour a narrower V configuration.<\/p>\n<p>However, the 1000cc V4 is currently proving less competitive than the previous inline concept, and must be developed alongside a new 850cc\/Pirelli bike.<\/p>\n<p>Star rider Fabio Quartararo has struggled to hide his frustration and is already rumoured to be on his way to Honda for 2027.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While the Frenchman qualified fourth in Brazil, then finished sixth in the Sprint, the bike is yet to finish higher than 14th in a grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>Yamaha remains last in the constructors\u2019 standings, with 19 fewer points than at the same stage last season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-83268dd3647486089ac176595b55c06317b1afb98a7033680624893d8b5b4e49\">  Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle   Quartararo praises Toprak Razgatlioglu\u2019s COTA performance: \u201cLike Superbike\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Quartararo is Yamaha&#8217;s top rider but only 17th in the riders\u2019 ranking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe problem is that Yamaha has chosen a very difficult path; I had already criticised their decision in some way,\u201d Suppo told <em>GPOne.com<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s true that everything will change next year, but it\u2019s also true that by making both the 1000cc V4 and the 850cc at the same time, the risk is that instead of doing one thing well, they do two things badly.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-34ff5a1993555fec6c7a74d21b2f1f36fb2001eacf9c6ec41964fb0157a559ab\">  Jack Miller: Yamaha MotoGP riders &#8220;like a lamb to slaughter\u201d on COTA straight   \u201cWhat the hell am I doing here?\u201d: Yamaha MotoGP struggles getting to one rider <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cLast year, the bike with the Inline4 wasn&#8217;t fully competitive, but it took five pole positions, and Quartararo would have won at Silverstone without the ride-height valve breaking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe [V4], in its current state, seems a long way from achieving that kind of performance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Despite the current difficulties, Suppo acknowledged the bold nature of Yamaha\u2019s approach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve chosen a strategy that\u2019s certainly very courageous and even commendable from a certain point of view.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey said: we&#8217;ll get to work this year to make sure the bike is better next year.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cTime will tell if they were right.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1092964\/1\/time-will-tell-if-courageous-yamaha-v4-strategy-was-right&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] \u201cTime will tell\u201d if \u201ccourageous\u201d Yamaha V4 MotoGP strategy was right Livio Suppo calls Yamaha\u2019s 2026 V4 MotoGP switch \u201ccourageous\u201d but warns only time will tell if the &#8220;risky&#8221; strategy succeeds. Peter McLaren 11 Apr 2026 Share Quartararo, Razgatlioglu, Miller, Rins, 2026 US MotoGP. \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred source [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1878206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1878206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1878206"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1878206\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1878206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1878206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1878206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}