Marco Bezzecchi
Michael Laverty has expressed how encouraged he is about the future of Yamaha’s V4-powered bike, highlighting how there is now ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for the Japanese constructor after seeing Jack Miller’s top speed data at Mugello.
Despite Jack Miller’s seat at Pramac Racing being very much in doubt for the 2027 MotoGP season, he still continues to be an integral part of Yamaha’s development.
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The Australian is one of the best in the business when it comes to rider feedback, and has been patiently aiding the Iwata-based manufacturer’s attempts to reassert themselves as a dominant force in the premier class.
Unfortunately, results have been hard to come by for the four-time Grand Prix winner in recent months, but MotoGP pundit Michael Laverty has shared why he is optimistic for the future of Yamaha’s MotoGP efforts.
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Michael Laverty sees ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for Yamaha
During TNT Sports’ coverage of the pre-practice qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix, Laverty was encouraged by Yamaha’s recent progress with their V4-powered prototype after seeing Miller’s speed trap data.
Commentator Gavin Emmett began by saying, “Look, we’re not saying that Yamaha is suddenly going to be playing for podiums and all that, but it just means that they are building week in week out. It’s not a run before we can walk situation.”
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Laverty agreed with his colleague, adding, “No, there’s definitely been light at the end of the tunnel in recent weeks. Top speed is improving every time. If you look at Jack Miller there, he’s ninth in the speed traps at the moment in this session.
“They are getting better, they’re making use of the V4 in terms of the balance. It took a bit of figuring out; chassis balance is quite different when you’ve got a V-shaped 80-degree engine with two front cylinders and two rear.
“All of that takes time to dial in; getting the horsepower to the engine is a gradual process. You don’t want the engines blowing up. You want to show that you’ve built a solid power unit, so that will continue to progress as safely and as expediently as they possibly can.
“But overall, it’s coming, it’s moving in the right direction all the time. Fabio’s looking closer, as are the Prima Pramac boys.”
Alex Rins ended the pre-qualifying practice session with the ninth fastest time on the grid. He was the only Yamaha rider of the session to be guaranteed a spot in Saturday’s Q2 session.
Despite a strong start to the session, Miller ended the day with the 16th fastest time, one place ahead of Yamaha’s flag-bearer, Fabio Quartararo. Toprak Razgatlioglu also struggled as he placed himself in P20 on the time sheets.
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