Yamaha New V4 Rear Aerodynamics Tested at Brno for MotoGP 2026!

Yamaha, currently ranked in the D-tier concession alongside Honda, is intensifying efforts to close the gap with rivals like Ducati and Aprilia in the 2025 MotoGP season. Following initial V4 engine tests in Barcelona in June 2025, Yamaha continued development in Brno, focusing on the 1000cc V4 engine and KTM-inspired rear aerodynamics. The tests involved test riders Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez, as well as regular riders Alex Rins and Miguel Oliveira. Yamaha’s struggle to regain competitiveness has been a key narrative of their 2025 campaign.

During the two-day private test on July 1-2, 2025, in Brno, Yamaha tested a V4 prototype with revised rear aerodynamics resembling the KTM RC16’s wing design. Yamaha’s Managing Director, Paolo Pavesio, stated:

“The V4 is still in the early stages of development, so there are many things to improve.”

Andrea Dovizioso rode the bike on Tuesday, followed by Augusto Fernandez on Wednesday. Regular riders Alex Rins and Miguel Oliveira also participated, leveraging Yamaha’s D-concession status to allow testing with main riders. Speedweek reported that the new rear wing design, aimed at improving stability and traction during cornering, was a focal point.

The Brno test marks a significant step in Yamaha’s development for MotoGP 2026. The V4 engine, featuring a long under-tail exhaust to accommodate the ride-height device, aims to address the rear chatter issues plaguing the inline-four M1, as noted by Jack Miller in Aragon:

“We gained a deeper understanding of the chatter issue after the test.”

The new rear aerodynamics, which are not subject to homologation regulations, could be implemented on the M1 for the upcoming German Grand Prix (July 11-13), potentially boosting Yamaha’s competitiveness. However, the decision to adopt the V4 over the M1 hinges on further test results.

Paolo Pavesio emphasized Yamaha’s cautious approach: “We will only use the V4 if it proves to outperform the M1.”

On the X platform, MotoGP fans expressed excitement. “Yamaha’s V4 with new aero looks promising! Is this their comeback?” wrote @MotoFanID. Others remained skeptical, with @RacingNerd commenting, “Hope this V4 delivers, not just hype.” The motorsport community is abuzz with anticipation for Yamaha’s potential resurgence.

Yamaha faces significant challenges in refining the V4, which remains in its early stages. Pavesio acknowledged that numerous improvements are needed, particularly in reliability and performance compared to the M1. Adapting riders like Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins to the V4’s characteristics will be critical, especially on fast circuits like Sachsenring and Brno. Intense competition from Ducati, led by Marc Marquez, and Aprilia, bolstered by Marco Bezzecchi, adds pressure to Yamaha’s development efforts.

The success of the Brno test opens the door for Yamaha to introduce the new rear aerodynamics on the M1 at Sachsenring, offering a competitive edge before 2026. If the V4 proves superior, Yamaha could debut it as a wildcard by late 2025. Upcoming tests in Barcelona will determine whether the V4 will replace the M1, marking a new chapter for the Japanese manufacturer.

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