Yamaha is supposedly preparing to take a step forward in the MotoGP class, after all four of their riders tested a newly updated inline-four engine during the post-race test at the Circuito de Jerez. The Japanese manufacturer has been seeking improvements in power delivery, and based on the feedback from the test, the development appears to be paying off.

The new engine, which is still based on Yamaha’s traditional inline-four configuration, received positive feedback from the riders. The team now plans to race with it at the upcoming French Grand Prix in Le Mans.

Fabio Quartararo was optimistic after completing his first laps with the new engine. In an interview with Crash.net, he acknowledged the improvements but emphasized the need for further analysis.

“We tested a new engine, and it looks like it’s positive,” Quartararo said. “We’ll probably use it in Le Mans, but before then, the engineers will need to study the data carefully.”

He highlighted the short length of the Jerez straights as a limiting factor for a full comparison with the existing engine. However, he was reassured by how the new engine affected the bike’s handling.

“The most important thing was checking if we maintained the same level of agility as the current engine—and the feeling was good,” he added.

Quartararo also noted that while the signs are encouraging, the new engine isn’t yet a complete solution.

“We still need time to understand the real benefit. But there are positives, which is great. I’m ready for Le Mans.”

Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli clarified that the engine being tested was not a switch to a V4 configuration, but rather a refined version of their current engine.

“It’s important to make clear that this is not a V4,” Meregalli told MotoGP.com. “We’ve stayed with our inline-four, but we’re convinced this engine is better.”

He also confirmed that Yamaha intends to register the new specification as its third engine for the 2025 season, meaning it will be officially introduced at Le Mans.

“The riders’ comments were positive, and we are satisfied with the outcome. The new engine offers a bit more power while keeping the familiar character of the bike. That’s a clear advantage.”

Alex Rins was among the most enthusiastic about the engine update, highlighting a noticeable improvement in top speed—an area where Yamaha has been lagging behind competitors.

“We tried a new engine—it’s a nice one!” Rins said with a smile in an interview with Crash.net. “It’s more powerful. We’ve been working on improving our top speed, and we clearly gained around 2 km/h. That’s a great result.”

Rins also noted that the benefits extend beyond straight-line speed. “What we tested today also helped me enter corners more confidently, so that’s another important improvement.”

With Le Mans just around the corner, Yamaha’s test at Jerez could mark a turning point in their 2025 campaign.