Jack Miller is unable to race Yamaha’s new V4 prototype this season due to a technical regulation in MotoGP. Specifically, the rule limits teams to two fairing updates per season. Yamaha has already utilized both of its permitted updates for the 2025 season.
The new V4 engine, which has a different configuration from the current inline-four M1 engine, requires a custom-designed fairing. Since Yamaha’s existing fairing updates have been used on the current bike, they cannot introduce a new, third fairing for Miller to use with the V4. This is a crucial distinction and the main reason why the bike can only be used by test rider Augusto Fernandez as a wildcard.
The Role of Augusto Fernandez
Instead of the regular race riders, Augusto Fernandez will be responsible for gathering crucial race-day data on the V4 prototype. He is piloting the bike as a wildcard entry at the San Marino Grand Prix, with additional wildcard appearances planned for Sepang and Valencia. Yamaha’s “D” concession status allows them the flexibility to conduct extensive testing and wildcard entries, which is vital for the development of the new machine.
The V4 prototype is a key part of Yamaha’s strategy to improve their competitiveness, particularly with the 2027 rule changes on the horizon. Miller, despite his extensive experience with V4 engines from his time at Honda, Ducati, and KTM, must wait until the 2026 season to race the new bike.
Sources
- “MotoGP, Jack Miller: ‘The Yamaha V4? It’s really, really, really exciting, we’ve already homologated two fairings'” – Paddock-GP.com (https://www.paddock-gp.com/en/motogp-jack-miller-the-yamaha-v4-is-really-really-really-exciting-we-have-already-homologated-two-fairings/)
- “Why Yamaha’s main riders can’t race its new V4 MotoGP bike this year” – https://www.google.com/search?q=The-Race.com (https://www.the-race.com/motogp/why-yamahas-main-riders-cant-race-its-new-v4-motogp-bike-this-year/)
- “Yamaha unveils V4 MotoGP prototype ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix” – BikeSportNews.com (https://bikesportnews.com/motogp/yamaha-unveils-v4-motogp-prototype-ahead-of-the-san-marino-grand-prix/)
- “What are the MotoGP™ Rules? – A complete overview” – MotoGP.com (https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2025/03/11/what-are-the-motogp-rules-a-complete-overview/521386)
You can learn more about the excitement surrounding Miller’s new contract and the V4 project in this video.
Jack Miller’s SHOCKING Yamaha Deal for 2026 Revealed! MotoGP 2025
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