Who Steps Up? Yamaha’s Strategy to Save the V4 Project After Quartararo’s Exit

Alex Rins

"Paddock sources suggest that Yamaha has already requested Jack Miller to prioritize chassis-flex testing, a task originally assigned to Quartararo for Day 2."

The shock withdrawal of Fabio Quartararo from the 2026 Sepang Test has left the Monster Energy Yamaha garage in a race against time. With their primary development lead sidelined by injury, the "Blue Revolution" is at a critical crossroads. Developing a brand-new V4 engine requires thousands of kilometers of data, and Yamaha cannot afford to let the M1 sit idle in the pit box for the next 48 hours.

Here is how Yamaha is reshuffling its lineup to ensure the V4 project stays on track for the 2026 season opener.

1. Alex Rins: From Support to Lead Developer

The weight of the factory now rests squarely on the shoulders of Alex Rins. Known for his silky-smooth riding style and vast experience with both Inline-4 and V4 machinery (from his Suzuki and Honda days), Rins is uniquely qualified to step into the lead role.

However, the challenge is immense. Rins must now take over Quartararo’s testing schedule, which includes high-stakes evaluations of new chassis stiffness and electronic mapping. Yamaha will rely on his feedback to finalize the engine's "character" before the parts are frozen for the season.

2. Jack Miller: The V4 Specialist

Yamaha’s decision to sign Jack Miller as a test rider is already looking like a masterstroke. Having spent years developing the V4 powerplants at Ducati and KTM, Miller is arguably the most experienced V4 rider in the Yamaha camp.

Expect Miller to take on the "grunt work" of the testing program—running long-run simulations to check the engine's cooling and reliability in the Malaysian heat. His ability to translate V4 data into actionable feedback will be vital in filling the void left by Fabio’s absence.

3. The Rise of Toprak Razgatlioglu

While Toprak is still technically a rookie in the MotoGP class, Quartararo’s injury might fast-track his integration into the factory development team. Yamaha may ask the Turkish star to test specific aerodynamic components that require a "fresh pair of eyes."

While Toprak is still learning the Michelin tires, his incredible feel for the front end could provide a different perspective on the M1’s braking stability—an area where the V4 prototype has shown immense potential.

4. Cal Crutchlow: The Veteran Safety Net

No one knows the M1 better than Cal Crutchlow. The veteran test rider is already on-site and will likely be utilized to verify any "extreme" setup changes before they are handed over to Rins. Crutchlow’s role will be to ensure that the data collected over the next two days remains consistent with the baseline established by Quartararo on Day 1.

The Bottom Line: Can Yamaha Recover?

Losing your star rider during the most important test of the decade is a nightmare scenario. However, with a roster that includes Rins, Miller, and Crutchlow, Yamaha possesses one of the strongest technical lineups on the grid.

The success of the 2026 M1 V4 now depends on how well these riders can collaborate. If they can maintain the development pace, Yamaha might still arrive at the first race with a competitive package. If they falter, Quartararo’s Turn 11 crash might be remembered as the moment the 2026 title race slipped away from Iwata.

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