Yamaha’s V4 engine is miles off its MotoGP rivals, one staggering stat proves it

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Yamaha are currently attempting to turn their troubled MotoGP operation around but aren’t having much luck doing so.

At the recent Malaysian Grand Prix, they conducted a wildcard entry with test rider Augusto Fernandez, who had a tough weekend.

The new V4 engine didn’t appear to have improved much since its introduction in Misano a few months ago, which is a worrying sign for Yamaha.

Heading into the 2026 MotoGP season, not only is their performance on the line, but so is the status of star rider Fabio Quartararo, who has given the team plenty of chances to improve.

Fernandez is frustrated with Yamaha’s V4, and understandably does not like the idea of running in last place at every race he participates in. There’s also a chance that Yamaha have hit an extreme limit with the V4, which could be a concerning omen for its development down the line.

READ MORE: Augusto Fernandez shares Yamaha’s ‘only positive’ after riding their V4 bike at Malaysian Grand Prix

Yamaha’s V4 engine was far slower than KTM’s at the Malaysian Grand Prix

Quartararo was frustrated after Fernandez crashed the V4 during practice in Malaysia, throwing his hands up after watching the replay. At this stage, the Frenchman’s fate seems inevitable, and it looks as though he’ll be a key player in the MotoGP rider market.

Despite the financial benefit of staying at the Japanese manufacturer, it’s hard to see him wanting to waste any more of his best years at the team. Quartararo would be crazy to accept Yamaha’s latest offer and it could prevent him from ever winning another title again.

Although his motivations were slightly different when he signed his last deal, this time his approach comes from a sporting perspective. Much like Marc Marquez when he moved to Gresini from Honda, there could be a similar move brewing if Yamaha’s V4 doesn’t improve.

The signs in Malaysia weren’t good, either. Diario AS reports that Fernandez achieved a top speed of 329.2km/h with the V4 in Sunday’s race, compared to 341.7km/h achieved by KTM’s Pedro Acosta.

Rather concerningly, that’s not particularly close for an engine which is expected to lift them to new heights in a matter of months. There are just over 100 days until the new season starts, and that doesn’t sound like it can transform into anything world-beating in such a small amount of time.

READ MORE: Yamaha told startling date for when Fabio Quartararo will decide MotoGP future amid Ducati interest

When is the last time that Yamaha won a MotoGP race?

Although KTM have been on a fairly long streak since their last win, they have picked up countless podiums since then, and have achieved at the level expected of them for the most part.

Yamaha are a team with such a rich motorcycle history, and their level of performance over the last few years has been disappointing.

It has now been three and a half years since their last win, which Quartararo earned at the 2022 German Grand Prix. Soon after that race, his title defence fell to pieces.

And since then, the team hasn’t recovered. The new regulations for 2027 may end up being their saviour, but for now, the signs aren’t good for a team you would expect to be building at least some momentum.