Electric Cars

Yamaha's new V4-powered M1 MotoGP machine faced a challenging debut during the San Marino Grand Prix sprint race. Test rider Augusto Fernandez described the experience as a "long" and "hard" day, indicating that the bike's initial competitive outing fell short of expectations. Despite some encouraging signs during practice sessions earlier in the weekend, the team encountered unforeseen difficulties in race conditions, underscoring the complexities involved in introducing a fundamentally new motorcycle architecture to the highly competitive MotoGP environment. This inaugural race provided critical insights into areas requiring further development and refinement for the V4 project.

The weekend started with some optimism for Yamaha's V4 initiative. Fernandez showed competitive lap times in practice, trailing Fabio Quartararo's pace by only six-tenths of a second. This early performance suggested potential for the new V4 engine configuration. However, the true test came during Saturday's sprint race, where the bike's performance drastically declined. Fernandez completed the shortened race in 18th position, a full 28 seconds behind the leader, with only LCR rookie Somkiat Chantra finishing behind him among the classified riders.

Assessing the precise performance gap was complicated by the early crash of Yamaha's lead rider, Quartararo, who had been running in fourth place. Nevertheless, Fernandez's substantial deficit of 10 seconds to the next bike on track, Alex Rins' factory M1, and approximately 11 seconds to Jack Miller, the highest-placed Yamaha rider in 14th, clearly highlighted the V4 bike's struggles. This subpar race performance followed a disappointing qualifying session for Fernandez, where he started 22nd after failing to match his Friday practice times.

Fernandez elaborated on the bike's unpredictable behavior, noting that even minor adjustments could drastically alter its performance from competitive to "completely out." He explained the ongoing challenge of identifying the optimal operating window for the V4-powered M1. When asked to compare it to the inline-four engine, he stated his current preference for the inline version, emphasizing the V4's current sensitivity to setup changes. He stressed that the V4 is an entirely new platform, requiring an open-minded approach to development, as traditional metrics from the inline engine are not directly applicable.

He further added, "Today was a day of discarding things. Nothing we attempted seemed to yield positive results. We are using yesterday afternoon's data as a baseline for understanding the track and preparing for tomorrow. We hope to make some breakthroughs, as our performance was far from perfect. I felt good during my fast lap, and I believe it was a strong time, but today I was slower than yesterday. We urgently need to find solutions." The Yamaha team had conducted numerous tests with the V4 M1 before its race debut, but the lack of data on its performance in traffic proved to be a critical missing piece. Fernandez admitted he struggled to maintain pace when following other riders, and encountered significant vibrations, an issue that also contributed to Quartararo’s crash on the standard M1. This suggests that the V4 engine, along with its redesigned chassis and aerodynamics, requires more extensive real-world testing and fine-tuning to address these fundamental handling and stability concerns.

The V4-spec M1 represents a comprehensive redesign, necessitating significant changes to both the chassis and aerodynamics. Fernandez's role extends beyond just evaluating the V4 engine's output; he is also assessing how the bike's new aerodynamic package integrates with the overall performance. He commented on the aero performance, mentioning that while he had tested two different fairing configurations during the bike's development, neither offered a substantial improvement over his current setup. He acknowledged that continued development in aerodynamics is crucial, with further evolutions planned for future wildcard appearances.

Max Verstappen recently undertook his debut in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), aiming to secure the coveted Category A DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN). While he completed the necessary 14 laps in the #980 Cayman, an unfortunate incident involving his second car, the #89 Cayman, during qualifying complicated matters. Despite this setback, the DPN-Committee is anticipated to grant him the permit, acknowledging his performance and the specific circumstances of the race. This event also highlighted the continued supremacy of Falken Motorsports, who maintained their strong record in the series with yet another victory.

Verstappen's participation in the NLS debut was a significant step towards obtaining the Category A DPN, a crucial license for competing in certain Nurburgring endurance races. The regulations typically demand two classified finishes to meet the criteria. However, his co-driver, Chris Lulham, in the #89 Cayman, was unable to complete a single lap after starting from the pitlane due to qualifying damage. This meant Verstappen technically lacked the second classified finish usually required.

Nevertheless, the DMSB's DPN-Committee is in place to assess such unique situations. Given that the damaged car officially commenced the race, and Verstappen himself completed the mandated 14 laps without any sporting infractions, demonstrating impressive pace in his Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS across diverse track conditions, his chances of receiving the Permit A are very high. The committee often considers the spirit of the rules and a driver's overall competence rather than strict adherence in cases of unforeseen circumstances.

While Verstappen's immediate NLS schedule includes skipping Sunday's races, anticipation is building for his return on September 27th. He is expected to compete in an Emil Frey Ferrari, with aspirations for an outright victory. This upcoming appearance will further showcase his versatility and commitment to endurance racing.

In the broader context of the NLS race, Falken Motorsports reaffirmed their dominant position. Their #3 Porsche, driven by Julien Andlauer and Joel Sturm, proved to be an unstoppable force. Despite an early challenge from the HRT Ford GT #6, Falken's Michelin tires displayed superior consistency, allowing them to reclaim the lead before the initial round of pit stops. The sister #4 Porsche also engaged in a fierce battle for second place, underscoring Falken's overall strength.

The race took an unexpected turn on lap 18 when a sudden rain shower drenched the northern section of the circuit. This created chaotic conditions, catching out many teams on slick tires. While several smaller class cars were forced to retire due to collisions, the frontrunners, including Falken, skillfully navigated the treacherous track. In the aftermath of the rain, the #3 Porsche significantly extended its lead, ultimately securing Falken's 13th Porsche victory in the last 15 NLS races, solidifying Porsche's unbeaten streak in the 2025 NLS season.

Verstappen's NLS debut, though not without its technical hitches, demonstrated his exceptional driving capabilities and adherence to the racing spirit. The expected granting of his DPN A license reflects a pragmatic approach by the committee, acknowledging his impressive performance and potential. Meanwhile, Falken Motorsports' continued triumphs highlight their strategic expertise and the reliability of their machinery, setting a high bar for future competitions in the series.