Marco Bezzecchi
The early opinions of Yamaha’s V4-powered bike from those within the ranks of the Japanese constructor have been both good and bad, and Marco Melandri isn’t quite sure who we should be believing.
Yamaha’s answer to their recent woes in MotoGP has come in the form of a new engine layout. The M1 will feature a V4-powered engine for the first time since the end of the two-stroke era in 2002.
The Japanese constructor unveiled the new version of their bike at the 2025 San Marino GP, where test rider Augusto Fernandez took part in the race weekend as a wildcard entry.
The mileage that the Spaniard clocked in was crucial for Yamaha’s development efforts, and the wildcard entry was used again in Malaysia and Valencia, to better determine where their focus is needed.
Andrea Dovizioso has also been a crucial member of the development team during Yamaha’s new venture and has largely been supportive of the efforts that engineers have been making so far.
On the other hand, Fabio Quartararo has been highly critical of the new M1 following his first tests on the bike, leading one former rider to question who is telling the truth.
- READ MORE: Fabio Quartararo warned ‘everything will change’ at Yamaha following Toprak Razgatlioglu’s arrival
Which bike will Fabio Quartararo be riding in 2027?
Marco Melandri explains why he thinks Yamaha might be bluffing about their 2026 MotoGP bike
During an interview with GPOne, former MotoGP rider Marco Melandri was asked for his opinion on whether Quartararo will depart from the Japanese constructor at the end of the upcoming season.
The 2002 250cc world champion answered, “From the way he talks and from what transpires, it seems so. Fabio might leave, but let’s wait and see what happens. I, however, have some questions.”
When asked to elaborate on the questions he had, Melandri said, “I think it won’t be easy for Fabio to replicate with the V4 what he did with the inline four.
“I’m mainly referring to the need to find the right set-ups and the correct balance of the bike. For so many years, he’s been used to the inline four, and I don’t see this jump as easy.
“Another thing: It seems to me that all the Yamaha riders are complaining about the new bike. From the declarations they have made, I haven’t seen them fully enthusiastic about the new M1, and on the track, I expected something more in terms of the engine.
“So I wonder if Yamaha is bluffing or not. I say this because the discontent of the riders is contrasted by the remarks of Dovizioso, who seems to me to be proactive and optimistic.
“That said, I prefer to trust Andrea, because he’s developing the bike and has the whole situation under control.”
The contrasting statements between Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo
Yamaha are ‘super happy’ with the direction of their V4-powered bike, according to information gathered by Jorge Lorenzo from Dovizioso.
The Italian was one of the first members of the Japanese constructor to ride atop the new configuration during a private test in Barcelona.
Dovizioso has since put his 22 years of Grand Prix motorcycle racing experience to use in order to help engineers refine the bike in line with the riding style of their entrants.
However, their star rider is not pleased at all with the new piece of machinery. The Frenchman was one of the leading catalysts for Yamaha making the switch in the first place, and his feedback has been all but positive so far.
Yamaha’s new boy, Toprak Razgatlioglu, disagrees with Quartararo’s assessment of the bike, highlighting that the feel that he gets from the new M1 is ‘anything but negative’.
A recent report has suggested that Yamaha are no longer listening to Quartararo’s guidance when it comes to the development, opting instead to take feedback from Dovizioso and Fernandez instead.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
