Yamaha Confirms Groundbreaking V4 Engine for 2026 MotoGP Campaign, Marking End of an Era

Valencia, Spain – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has officially announced its transition to a V4 engine configuration for its MotoGP bikes beginning in the 2026 season, signaling a significant departure from its traditional in-line four-cylinder engine that has defined its racing program for decades. This strategic shift aims to align Yamaha with the other four manufacturers on the grid, all of whom currently utilize V4 engines, in pursuit of enhanced performance and competitiveness.

The decision, formalized during the Valencia Grand Prix weekend, underscores Yamaha’s commitment to a transparent and forward-thinking engine development strategy. In a statement released Sunday afternoon, the Japanese manufacturer confirmed that the Valencia Grand Prix marks the final race weekend for the team with its traditional in-line engine layout, a design that has yielded numerous victories and one World Championship in recent history.

"Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. confirms that the YZR-M1 machines will be powered by the V4 engine starting from the 2026 MotoGP season," the statement read. "This decision aligns with Yamaha’s earlier stated intentions to transition, underlining the continuity and transparency of Yamaha’s engine development strategy."

The development of the V4 engine has been an ongoing project for Yamaha, running parallel to its existing in-line four-cylinder program. Months of behind-closed-doors testing culminated in a public debut at Misano in September, where test rider Augusto Fernandez participated in the San Marino Grand Prix as a wildcard entry, providing valuable real-world data and insights.

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Fernandez has continued to test and refine the V4-spec M1 at subsequent races, including Malaysia and the Valencia Grand Prix finale, where the bike featured an updated frame. The initial feedback from these tests has been varied, with Yamaha’s star rider, Fabio Quartararo, expressing reservations about the bike’s current speed and overall potential. Despite these mixed reviews, Yamaha remains steadfast in its commitment to the V4 platform.

Yamaha’s decision to adopt a V4 engine is driven by the belief that it will offer significant performance advantages. The company anticipates that the V4 configuration will deliver improved acceleration, better handling under braking, and greater adaptability to the latest tire and aerodynamic requirements, all critical factors in the highly competitive MotoGP environment.

To accommodate the V4 motor, Yamaha has undertaken a comprehensive redesign of the M1, the bike that last secured a championship title in 2021 with Quartararo at the helm. The new 1000cc V4 engine is slated to race in MotoGP for a single season, as the 2027 regulations mandate a switch to smaller capacity 850cc units, marking another significant shift in the technical landscape of the sport.

Implications for Yamaha’s Rider Line-Up

Yamaha’s strategic shift to the V4 engine has significant implications for its rider line-up, both current and future. All four factory riders for 2026, including new Pramac signing Toprak Razgatlioglu, will ride the V4-spec M1 in Tuesday’s Valencia test. The team’s 2026 line-up includes factory team riders Quartararo and Alex Rins, plus Pramac duo Razgatlioglu and Jack Miller.

Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP World Champion, has been a vocal advocate for improvements to the Yamaha M1, particularly in terms of engine power and overall competitiveness. While Quartararo’s initial feedback on the V4 prototype has been cautious, Yamaha’s commitment to the new engine configuration underscores its determination to provide the French rider with the tools necessary to challenge for race wins and championships.

Alex Rins, who joined Yamaha in 2024, brings a wealth of experience from his time with Suzuki and Honda. Rins’s technical expertise and adaptability will be crucial in helping Yamaha optimize the V4 engine and develop a competitive package for the 2026 season.

The signing of Toprak Razgatlioglu from the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) marks a significant coup for Yamaha. Razgatlioglu, a three-time World Superbike title winner, is widely regarded as one of the most talented riders in motorcycle racing. His aggressive riding style and proven ability to extract the maximum performance from his machinery make him an ideal candidate to spearhead Yamaha’s V4 effort.

Jack Miller, who will join Razgatlioglu at Pramac Racing, brings a wealth of MotoGP experience to the team. Miller’s time with Ducati and KTM has provided him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of V4 engine development and chassis dynamics, which will be essential in helping Yamaha accelerate its learning curve with the new engine configuration.

Historical Context and Technical Background

Yamaha’s decision to adopt a V4 engine marks a significant departure from its long-standing commitment to the in-line four-cylinder configuration. The in-line four has been a hallmark of Yamaha’s racing program for decades, powering its bikes to numerous victories and championships. However, in recent years, the performance gap between Yamaha and its V4-powered rivals has widened, prompting the company to reassess its engine strategy.

The V4 engine configuration offers several advantages over the in-line four, including a more compact design, improved mass centralization, and greater potential for power development. The V4’s shorter crankshaft and narrower engine profile allow for a more agile and responsive chassis, which is crucial for cornering performance. Additionally, the V4’s firing order can be optimized to deliver a more tractable and controllable power delivery, which is particularly beneficial in the challenging conditions of MotoGP racing.

Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and Honda all currently use V4 engine configurations, it has become the benchmark for performance in the modern era of MotoGP.

The Road Ahead

Yamaha’s transition to a V4 engine represents a bold and ambitious undertaking. The company faces a significant challenge in developing a competitive V4 package within a relatively short timeframe. However, with its experienced engineering team, talented rider line-up, and unwavering commitment to innovation, Yamaha is well-positioned to make a successful transition to the V4 platform.

The 2026 season promises to be a pivotal year for Yamaha as it embarks on a new era with its V4-powered M1. The company’s success in adapting to the new engine configuration will determine its ability to challenge for race wins and championships in the years to come.

The Valencia test is scheduled for Tuesday and will provide the first opportunity for Quartararo, Rins, Razgatlioglu and Miller to test the new engine.

As Yamaha bids farewell to its in-line four-cylinder engine, it does so with a sense of pride and gratitude for the countless victories and championships it has delivered. The company now looks forward to a new chapter in its racing history, one that is defined by innovation, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of performance excellence.

Valencia GP – Sunday, in photos

The Valencia Grand Prix, held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, provided a fitting backdrop for Yamaha’s announcement. The race weekend was filled with excitement and drama, as riders battled for position in the final round of the 2024 MotoGP season.

The Valencia GP was also the last race for Marc Marquez riding a Honda. Marquez will be riding for the Gresini Ducati team for the 2025 season.

The race weekend also featured strong performances from other riders.

Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing): Fernandez showcased his talent with consistent performances throughout the weekend.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Racing Team): Di Giannantonio continued his impressive run, demonstrating his potential for future success.
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing): Bezzecchi, in his final race for VR46 before joining Aprilia Racing, aimed to end his tenure on a high note.
Jack Miller (Pramac Racing): Miller, soon to join Razgatlioglu at Pramac Racing, sought to build momentum for the upcoming season.
Johann Zarco (Team LCR Honda): Zarco pushed the limits of his Honda, demonstrating his determination and skill.
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Team): The reigning champion aimed to secure another victory.
Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing Team): Martin, with a new chapter at Aprilia Racing ahead, looked to finish the season on a positive note.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing): Acosta, transitioning to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, aimed to make a strong impression.