Overview

• Test rider Augusto Fernandez qualified 22nd and finished 18th in the sprint, 28 seconds off the lead and around 10–11 seconds behind the next Yamahas.
• Friday practice offered encouragement with laps within six tenths of Fabio Quartararo on a soft-tyre run, but the bike suffered a sensor-triggered shutdown and a low-speed crash.
• Speed-trap data showed the prototype consistently slowest, roughly 9–10 km/h down on the fastest bikes and 3–5 km/h behind Yamaha’s inline-four.
• Fernandez cited improved rear grip and support under braking, yet a narrow setup window, difficulty following in traffic, and heavy vibrations that require analysis.
• Factory riders are barred from racing the V4 this year due to gearbox and aero homologations, with Yamaha planning further wildcards at Sepang and likely Valencia plus Monday’s post‑race test to guide its 2026 decision.