Misano, Italy – September 16, 2025 – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP riders Álex Rins and Fabio Quartararoreturned to action at the Misano MotoGP Official Test, where they joined Prima Pramac Yamaha riders Jack Millerand Miguel Oliveira in evaluating the all-new YZR-M1 V4-powered prototype. The one-day IRTA Test provided Yamaha with vital data and rider feedback as development of the next-generation bike accelerates.

The test, divided into two sessions (10:00–12:45 and 14:00–18:00 GMT+2), marked the first time Yamaha’s V4 project was evaluated in direct comparison with competitors under race conditions. While Rins and Quartararo finished 17th and 18th overall in the combined timesheets, the day was less about lap times and more about shaping the direction of the V4 project.

Rins Evaluates Grip and Braking Performance

Rins completed 46 laps in the morning aboard the 2025 M1 before switching to the prototype in the afternoon. His best effort was a 1’31.571s, ranking him 17th overall, 1.197s from the top. Despite finishing outside the top ten, Rins was upbeat:

“I’m quite happy with how the new bike works – it has a lot of positive things and a lot of room for improvement. I felt good on braking and the grip is strong. We are heading in the right direction.”

Quartararo Confident in V4 Adaptation

Quartararo logged 35 laps in the morning and 38 in the afternoon, with his best time of 1’31.598s placing him 18th overall. The Frenchman embraced the challenge of adapting to Yamaha’s new engine philosophy:

“This was the first time people could see me ride the V4 publicly. I have zero problems adapting to the engine, but we need to fine-tune electronics and settings. The project is still in its early stages, but there’s clear potential.”

Pramac Yamaha Riders Join Development Push

Pramac Yamaha riders also played a key role in the shakedown.

• Jack Miller praised the prototype’s progress: “It’s been a good test to understand strong and weak points. We’re on the right path, with improvements already visible compared to the current M1.”
• Miguel Oliveira highlighted the importance of electronics tuning: “We focused on creating more predictability with rear grip. The package is improving, and upcoming races should give us more opportunities to maximize performance.”

Yamaha Confident Despite Early Days

Massimo Meregalli, Team Director at Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, emphasized the long-term nature of the project:

“We’re at the early stages of this bike’s development. Lap times are not the main indicator right now. The base has potential, and we will continue refining the prototype according to our findings.”

What’s Next

Following the Misano Test, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team will take a short break before heading into the Motegi–Mandalika double-header, beginning with the Grand Prix of Japan from September 26–28, 2025.