Yamaha boss admits he thought V4 Yamaha MotoGP project “would be slightly easier”

Yamaha MotoGP team boss Massimo Meregalli admits he thought development of the V4 project “would be slightly easier” than it has been so far in 2026.

The Japanese manufacturer is in its first season in the modern era racing with a V4 engine instead of the inline-four it had used previously.

It is hoped that, by falling in line with the rest of the grid, Yamaha can work its way back up the order with its V4 bike.

However, the start to the year has been difficult, with Yamaha scoring just 14 points inside the opening four rounds compared to 42 at the same stage last season.

The uncompetitive start to the campaign has also led Fabio Quartararo to sign for Honda, though Yamaha has bagged Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura for 2027.

At the Spanish Grand Prix, where Yamaha was on the podium in 2025, Quartararo fumed at the brand’s lack of progress with the V4, having finished 30 seconds off the lead.

Yamaha facing ‘unexpected’ bumps in the road

Speaking during the Jerez test on the Monday after the Spanish Grand Prix, Meregalli admitted Yamaha has faced unexpected challenges in 2026.

“For sure, we were aware it was not going to be easy,” he said.

“I have to say that I thought it would be slightly easier.

“Unfortunately, we are facing a path that maybe we didn’t expect, which is slowing down a bit the process of the development.

“But, the team itself is pushing as always, as much as we can.

“And the atmosphere, I would say, is good. When there is something new, already this brings positivity and it’s an additional boost.

“We are all aware, since we started this season, we thought - and we talked internally - that the first part was going to be demanding and tough.

“But we still believe in the second part we might start seeing different results.

“So, let’s say we are just at the beginning, and so far we are where we thought we could be.”