Yamaha are ‘convinced’ one aspect of their MotoGP operation isn’t good enough yet

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Yamaha were one of the biggest surprises of MotoGP’s pre-season testing after they showed some encouraging pace with their new bike.

2021 champion Fabio Quartararo in particular seemed quick, finishing inside the top three during all three days of running during the first test in Sepang.

Yamaha endured their worst season in recent history last year, with Quartararo ending up as their highest-placed bike with 13th in the riders’ championship.

They could be in contention to compete with the likes of KTM and Aprilia on their day in 2025, particularly while they have one of the best riders in MotoGP.

Quartararo was left in ‘disbelief’ at Yamaha after testing and couldn’t believe the level of pace that they showed at such an early stage.

He and teammate Alex Rins will be hoping that they can carry that sort of momentum through to the season-opening Grand Prix of Thailand this week.

Yamaha are ‘convinced’ that their V4 engine is not ready for MotoGP yet

One of the most impressive things about Yamaha’s off-season rise is that they’re working on two bikes at once.

They’re racing to prepare a new V4 bike for the new regulations in 2027 so they will be able to compete with their rivals from race one.

MotoGP rivals felt ‘really strongly’ about Yamaha in Sepang and believe that they have made real progress. They don’t want to undo that work by introducing a new chassis which is not ready yet.

READ MORE: Gino Borsoi loves what Yamaha have done for ‘the first time’ ever before 2025 MotoGP season

Managing director Paolo Pavesio told Motorsport.com how they will only introduce the new unit when they are ‘convinced’ it is at a good level.

“We have to get results today while working for tomorrow. When the bike with the V4 engine is better than the one we use now, if it ever is, then we will introduce it.

“It is unrealistic to think about making the switch to V4 in 2025. When we give that bike to the official riders, we have to be convinced that it is at a good level.”

Yamaha are doing something ‘pretty crazy’ behind the scenes to improve MotoGP fortunes

With two years to go until the start of new regulations, Yamaha shouldn’t have to suffer for too much longer before their fortunes change.

Amid KTM’s financial struggles, they may be able to out-develop their rivals now that they may end up with a larger budget than them.

READ MORE: Fabio Quartararo’s demeanour at Yamaha has now completely changed before Thailand Grand Prix

Yamaha are doing something ‘pretty crazy’ to improve their fortunes, by developing their M1 and V4 bikes at the same time.

If they continue on their current path of ascension, there’s every chance that they could return to the podium again in 2025.