Alex Rins returned from a test day with Yamaha’s V4-powered M1, carrying a singular sentiment: optimism. While the new Yamaha machine may not yet be at its absolute peak performance, the Spanish rider reported seeing a significant bright spot that had previously eluded him at Misano. “The bike has improved slightly. I feel better than I did at Misano,” Rins stated, his tone noticeably more positive than in previous testing sessions.
Rins identified the most profound improvements in two critical areas: stability and braking. The new V4 engine—heralding a new era for Yamaha in MotoGP—provided him with a more stable deceleration sensation. He noted that the motorcycle now feels more balanced, allowing him to effectively utilize both tires during braking. This marks a crucial signal that Yamaha is finally beginning to hone the direction of its much-anticipated V4 engine.
Despite morning weather conditions limiting Alex Rins’s total lap count, he emphasized that the laps completed were “real laps”—dedicated to testing crucial setups rather than mere warm-ups. “We tried many adjustments: pivot up, pivot down, bike short, bike long,” he explained. The entirety of the first day was devoted to refining the fundamental settings. It was not yet the moment to chase time attacks or push for maximum speed.
Amidst these positive findings, Rins remained pragmatic: the Yamaha M1 V4 still lags slightly in terms of top speed. “It’s still a bit slow, which is normal,” he admitted. He further added that the subsequent objective is to discover optimal traction, an area that remains a significant challenge for Yamaha. “We are struggling a bit there,” Rins continued, pointing to a critical area for future development.
While the journey ahead remains extensive, Rins’s candid assessment offers an initial glimpse that the M1 V4 is far more than just an experimental project. There is tangible progress, a foundational feel beginning to emerge, and—most crucially—a strong sense of hope. If the improved stability and braking can be complemented by enhanced traction, Yamaha could very well re-establish itself as a formidable contender on the MotoGP grid. (gpone/jpnn)
Summary
Alex Rins expressed optimism after testing Yamaha’s V4-powered M1, noting a slight improvement and feeling better than in previous sessions. He highlighted significant enhancements in the bike’s stability and braking, reporting a more balanced feel and effective tire utilization during deceleration. This indicates Yamaha is beginning to refine the direction of its new V4 engine.
Despite this positive progress and dedicated testing of fundamental setups, Rins acknowledged that the Yamaha M1 V4 still lags in top speed and faces challenges with optimal traction. He sees tangible progress and hope, suggesting that combining improved stability and braking with better traction could re-establish Yamaha as a strong MotoGP contender.
