The change from inline 4 engine to V4 engine is posing an extra challenge for Yamaha. Although they knew that it would take time to make the new project competitive, the situation is not being easy for either the drivers or the factory. For now they are far from the top positions and, in fact, they are basically fighting among the brand’s four drivers not to finish last.
It is a situation that Yamaha knew could happen and that is why it was Paolo Pavesio, who after the Thai GP and seeing the lack of performance, came out to talk about the project. None of the four riders of the Japanese manufacturer gave statements at the end of the race and it was the head of Yamaha Racing in MotoGP who wanted to respond to the press. So much so that he did not avoid the questions, he gave explanations and they indicated that everything they are going through is not part of the plan but they were counting on a situation like this could occur.
Asked, precisely, if things have gone worse than expected, the Italian answered: “It is difficult to say that we have done better. We started this path last year, anticipating a completely new project, based on a new engine. From the first race weekend, the distance with the best was clearly seen. We know that the mountain to climb is high, but when we decided to take this step we were aware of the challenge that awaited us. We are all giving 110%, as is the company, and we will continue to do so. There is no magic: we advance step by step, second by second. We are determined to grow the project until we are competitive again.”
One of the questions that came after this answer is how long they estimate it will take to grow the project until they regain competitiveness: “Today it is very difficult to talk in terms of months. Every time we go out on the track there are aspects to improve and understand. We are still thoroughly understanding the basis of the project, also from the point of view of the bike as a whole.”
What if Yamaha’s work plan is not focused on 2026 but on 2027?
Precisely that is perhaps one of the points that has been overlooked in general when talking about the competitiveness of the motorcycle and that is that we are not only talking about the new engine but about the entire assembly, therefore it depends on the vision and expectations to judge how Yamaha is doing or, even, if they have really decided to “sacrifice” this season to learn and prepare for the change of regulations in 2027. In that sense he clarified:
“As we develop the 2026 bike, we are learning fundamental concepts that will also be crucial for 2027. Going from an inline four-cylinder to a V4 profoundly changes the balance of the bike, the configuration, the rider’s position, the measurements. These are all elements that we are understanding now and that will be decisive for the future.”
Pavesio was also asked about how they manage the pilots and the situation and the answer was interesting because he recognized that the pilots are not the only ones affected by the situation:
«It is emotionally demanding for everyone. The pilots are the most exposed, but there are also many people who have been working day and night on this project for months. We must remember that this is the challenge we face to get back to where we want to be, that is, ahead. It’s not easy, but there is no other way to follow, because it’s just about working. This week we received a visit from the President of Japan here in Buriram. At a time like this, you might think that this is some kind of control, but it has come to confirm the full support of the parent company. We are fully committed to finding the right chemistry in this new project to return Yamaha to the level it belongs to. “There has been no break with the past: we are simply working differently and trying to fully understand the situation.”
It is clear that Yamaha is not at its best competitive moment, but having that vision from within and explaining the project as it did, giving details and sharing its points of view, makes the situation better understood. Perhaps and only perhaps, Yamaha is not experiencing a crisis but rather a renewal in which they are looking to the future and not the short term.
