Sweet sound of Yamaha V4 engine cranking up for the first time

Yamaha is getting closer to follow the trend in MotoGP, as they crank-up their V4 Engine - which is still in development - for the first time in public.

Since the start of MotoGP era in 2002, Yamaha stayed true to their Inline-4 layout engine on YZR-M1.

This year they have fielded two bikes for Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins on in the factory team, and two for Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira in a new satelite project, Pramac Racing.

But this year, they chasing the trend by developing the V4 engine, used by all their rivals on MotoGP.

After months of speculation and development, finally the engine was roaring for the first time in public.

Yamaha are privately testing in Barcelona this week.

This is in addition to the official MotoGP test at Aragon 24 hours after the grand prix.

Concessions enable Yamaha, and Honda, to fast-track their development with extra test days among the perks.

Quartararo is not expected in Barcelona, but Pramac's Miller will ride.

But they won't be focused on the V4 engine which won't be seen at a MotoGP race for some time.

They still need to find time to improve their existing package, which has come on leaps and bounds this year.

Yamaha's pace in qualifying is undeniable, with Quartararo recently racking up three pole positions in a row.

But they still lack the power of the Ducatis on the straights.