Augusto Fernandez says Yamaha\u2019s new V4 MotoGP machine is \u201c30% different\u201d from the prototype he raced last year, but admits it is still \u201cnot enough\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Yamaha<\/a> test rider made the assessment during his first wildcard appearance of the season at Jerez, where he went on to qualify as the leading M1 rider in wet conditions.<\/p>\n While long straights at the opening three rounds punished the V4’s engine performance, the tight and twisty Jerez layout highlighted handling issues.<\/p>\n The Spaniard agreed with star rider Fabio Quartararo <\/a>that the bike lacks the front-end feeling of the previous Inline machine.<\/p>\n \u201cI think all the riders from Yamaha said that the front of the [Inline] was incredible, fantastic. We had other problems with last year\u2019s Yamaha, but it\u2019s what we are missing now, plus more things,\u201d Fernandez explained.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n The former Moto2<\/a> world champion added that the main purpose of his Jerez wildcard was to help identify the root cause of such issues.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s why I’m here, to get more information\u2026 For sure, it’s not easy to make a competitive bike in one year, but we’ll get there.\u201d<\/p>\n Fernandez confirmed that they currently \u201cdon\u2019t have a base\u201d setting for the V4.<\/p>\n \u201cWe still need to understand which direction we have to take,\u201d he said. \u201cWe know the problems on the track, the feeling on the front, the turning, the engine.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we still have to discover what will bring us the turning, the pace, to be faster. It takes time, but hopefully we can be there soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Fernandez went on to finish 13th in the Sprint and then 20th after a rear brake issue in the grand prix. His next wildcard will be at Barcelona later this month.<\/p>\n A recent MotoGP rule change means that Fernandez, like the other factory test riders, will be unable to make any wildcard appearances from 2027<\/a>.<\/p>\n