Pramac Boss Defends Yamaha’s V4 Project Amid Rider Criticism

JEREZ, Spain — Pramac Racing team manager Gino Borsoi has publicly defended Yamaha’s struggling V4 engine project in MotoGP, offering a rare optimistic perspective amid widespread criticism of the Japanese manufacturer’s performance in the 2026 season. Borsoi’s comments, made during official testing at the Circuito de Jerez on Monday, contrast sharply with the frustration expressed by Yamaha’s factory riders, including Fabio Quartararo.

Yamaha’s Late Shift to V4 Technology

Yamaha was the last of the major MotoGP manufacturers to transition from an inline-four engine to a V4 configuration, a move that has faced significant scrutiny since its debut. The V4 engine first appeared on track during the 2025 season, running alongside Yamaha’s older inline-four machine in selected races. For 2026, the Iwata-based factory committed fully to the V4, but the results have been disappointing. Both the factory and satellite Pramac teams have struggled to secure meaningful points, with their bikes often languishing near the back of the field.

Despite the lackluster performance, Borsoi, a former racer himself, argued that the criticism directed at Yamaha is unwarranted given the circumstances. In an interview with Italian media, he described the V4 project as a work in progress, emphasizing the challenges of developing a completely new machine while competitors have had years to refine their V4 engines.

“I don’t understand why people think Yamaha is not doing a great job at the moment. Honestly, for me, it’s better than I imagined. Because this is a completely new bike. The other companies have had a V4, which is obviously a complete bike, for several years. And they are [just] trying to improve the details.”

Gino Borsoi, Pramac Racing team manager

A Work in Progress, Not a Finished Product

Borsoi’s defense hinges on the idea that Yamaha’s V4 is still in its infancy compared to the established V4 engines of rivals like Ducati, Aprilia, and Honda. While those manufacturers are fine-tuning minor details, Yamaha is effectively building its project from the ground up. The Pramac boss likened the situation to an “open construction site,” where each track session reveals new challenges and opportunities for improvement.

“We are an open construction site,” Borsoi explained. “Every time we go to the track, we discover things… Every time you understand that you made a mistake, you move forward.” He pointed out that the current iteration of the V4 only began serious testing three months ago during pre-season tests in Malaysia, making it unrealistic to expect immediate competitiveness. “You can’t expect this bike to be at the same level as the other V4s when [the others] are putting the details in place,” he added.

Rider Frustration vs. Team Optimism

Borsoi’s comments stand in stark contrast to the sentiments expressed by Yamaha’s riders, particularly factory star Fabio Quartararo. The Frenchman, a two-time MotoGP world champion, has been vocal about the bike’s shortcomings, often describing the V4 as difficult to ride and lacking the performance needed to compete at the front. Quartararo’s frustration has been a recurring theme throughout the 2026 season, with the rider frequently questioning Yamaha’s development direction.

However, Borsoi’s perspective suggests that the team is focused on long-term progress rather than short-term results. He acknowledged the difficulty of the current season but framed it as a necessary step in Yamaha’s broader development plan. “This bike actually started to ride three months ago in Malaysia,” he said, underscoring the rapid pace of development required to catch up to competitors.

The Road Ahead: 2027 Regulations and Beyond

The 2026 season has been a learning experience for Yamaha, with the V4 project serving as a foundation for future development. Borsoi hinted that the work being done now is crucial for Yamaha’s competitiveness under the upcoming 2027 technical regulations, which are expected to bring significant changes to the sport. While the current bike may not be at the level of its rivals, the Pramac boss expressed confidence that the project is moving in the right direction.

“We are building a new project,” Borsoi said. “The difference between philosophies and levels of development is noticeable. But we are working to ensure this bike is competitive.” His optimism reflects a belief that Yamaha’s investment in the V4 will pay off in the long run, even if the immediate results have been underwhelming.

Industry Reaction and the Bigger Picture

Borsoi’s defense of Yamaha’s V4 project has sparked discussion within the MotoGP paddock, with some observers agreeing that the manufacturer’s struggles are a natural part of the development process. Others, however, remain skeptical, pointing to the fact that Yamaha’s inline-four engine was already uncompetitive before the V4’s introduction, raising questions about whether the new configuration is the right path forward.

For now, Yamaha’s focus remains on closing the gap to its rivals. The team’s ability to adapt and improve will be critical as the season progresses, particularly with the 2027 regulations looming. Borsoi’s comments suggest that Yamaha is committed to the V4 project, despite the challenges, and that the current difficulties are seen as temporary setbacks rather than fundamental flaws.

As the MotoGP season continues, all eyes will be on Yamaha to see whether its V4 engine can evolve into a competitive package. For Borsoi and Pramac Racing, the message is clear: the project is far from finished, and the team remains optimistic about its future.