Yamaha is set to test their new V4 engine with former MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso at the Sepang Circuit. The team aims to return to winning ways after a challenging period.
Yamaha is set to benefit from the expertise of 15-time MotoGP race winner Andrea Dovizioso at this week's shakedown test at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia. The test, scheduled from January 31st to February 2nd, will see concession manufacturers Yamaha and Honda, along with MotoGP rookies Ai Ogura, Somkiat Chantra, and Fermin Aldeguer, take to the Malaysian track. Joining them will be test riders from Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia.
Yamaha had already confirmed the presence of its race riders, Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, along with new test rider Augusto Fernandez. Fernandez, who joined the test team after his departure from Tech3 KTM in 2024, fills a significant void left by Cal Crutchlow, who has been sidelined since suffering a hand injury. Crutchlow's return to MotoGP is considered unlikely. However, the most notable addition to Yamaha's Sepang lineup is the inclusion of former grand prix star Dovizioso. Dovizioso will be instrumental in Yamaha's efforts to reclaim their winning form. On Tuesday, Dovizioso shared a video on Instagram showcasing his intensive training regimen in preparation for his return to the M1 at the demanding and physically challenging Sepang circuit. Although widely recognized for his successful tenure with Ducati, where he fiercely challenged then-Honda rider Marc Marquez for the championship, Dovizioso also competed in 19 races with Yamaha's Petronas SRT team in 2021-22 before retiring.Since stepping away from active competition, Dovizioso has been actively involved with Yamaha, playing a pivotal role in the development of its new V4 engine. In December, factory rider Rins revealed on Motorsport Network's 'Por Orejas' podcast that Yamaha was scheduled to test the new engine in December but encountered delays in its construction and assembly, preventing its debut at the test. With Dovizioso now integrated into Yamaha's Sepang lineup, there is a high probability that the new V4 motor will finally be unleashed this week. Yamaha has maintained a shroud of secrecy surrounding its V4 project, only acknowledging its existence last year. With the Sepang shakedown running behind closed doors, several days before the official full-fledged test of 2025 at the same track next week, Yamaha can evaluate the engine without drawing significant public attention. However, Yamaha does not anticipate racing with the new V4 engine until at least the second half of the 2025 season. Currently, Yamaha remains the sole manufacturer in MotoGP utilizing an in-line four-cylinder motor, while all its competitors have transitioned to 'V' configuration engines
MOTORSPORT Motogp YAMAHA ANDREA DOVIZIOSO SEPANG CIRCUIT V4 ENGINE TEST RIDE
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