Yamaha Confirms Switch to V4 Engine for 2026 MotoGP Season, Ending Iconic Inline-Four Era

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has officially confirmed that its YZR-M1 machines will adopt a new V4 engine configuration starting from the 2026 MotoGP season, marking one of the most significant technical shifts in the brand’s modern racing history. The announcement, made during the Grand Prix of the Valencian Community, aligns with Yamaha’s long-stated development roadmap and signals a bold step toward future competitiveness.

End of an Era: Inline-Four Bows Out After Decades of Dominance

Yamaha’s inline-four engine has been central to its MotoGP identity for decades, powering some of the sport’s greatest champions — including Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Fabio Quartararo. Renowned for its agility, balance, and smooth power delivery, the engine has been instrumental in defining Yamaha’s signature riding character.

Since its inception, Yamaha’s inline-four has competed in 429 Grands Prix, delivering:

• 125 wins
• 350+ podiums
• 8 Riders’ Championships
• 7 Team Championships
• 5 Constructors’ Championships
• 5 MotoGP Triple Crowns

The 2025 Valencia Grand Prix now stands as the final outing for this legendary configuration.

Entering a New Era of Performance: The V4

With MotoGP technology and regulations rapidly evolving, Yamaha has chosen the V4 to better meet modern demands in acceleration, braking stability, tyre compatibility, and aerodynamic efficiency. Extensive development throughout 2025 — including multiple wild-card races — validated the engine’s performance potential.

The transition will be immediate: all 2026 Yamaha MotoGP riders will test the V4-powered M1 during Tuesday’s Valencia Test, launching the next chapter in Yamaha’s racing evolution.

Leadership Speaks: A Proud Past and a Forward-Looking Vision

Takahiro Sumi, General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division, emphasised the emotional significance of the transition:

“The inline-four has been at the heart of Yamaha’s philosophy for decades. It delivered unforgettable victories and shaped our reputation for precision and control… However, MotoGP is constantly evolving, and we must evolve with it. The V4 represents a new chapter for Yamaha, combining our ‘Spirit of Challenge’ with the technical solutions required to fight at the top.”

He added that Yamaha’s goal remains unchanged: to give riders a winning motorcycle and deliver the feeling of Kando— the deep emotional excitement sparked by exceptional quality and performance.

Massimo Bartolini, Technical Director of Yamaha Factory Racing, highlighted the strategic importance of the new configuration:

“The decision to adopt a V4 engine was not taken lightly. We analysed every aspect of performance and concluded that this configuration offers the differences we expected… The 2025 wild cards confirmed our expectations. The V4 delivers what we need to take further steps and compete at the highest level again.”

Bartolini also noted that the V4 architecture positions Yamaha strongly for the 2027 technical regulations, which are expected to favour this layout in terms of chassis packaging and aerodynamic development.

A Future Built on Heritage

As Yamaha draws the curtain on its iconic inline-four and advances into a V4-powered future, the manufacturer aims to blend its storied legacy with renewed performance potential. The 2026 season now stands as a pivotal moment — not just for Yamaha, but for MotoGP’s competitive landscape.