MotoGP: Yamaha Confirms Shift to V4 Engine for 2026 Season

Yamaha has confirmed that it will adopt the V4 engine for its MotoGP programme from the 2026 season, ending its long period with the inline-four configuration that has powered its machines for more than two decades. The move follows months of testing, including a public debut of the V4-powered M1 at the San Marino Grand Prix, where Augusto Fernandez joined as a wildcard entry. Fernandez later completed runs in Malaysia and Valencia as Yamaha continued data gathering and validation. Rider feedback from these outings has been mixed, highlighting areas for speed improvement and front-end stability. The Japanese manufacturer has been the sole user of an inline-four since Suzuki’s exit in 2022, and the change mirrors the wider shift across the MotoGP grid toward V4 layouts that deliver efficiency in acceleration, braking and tyre use. Yamaha plans to field the new engine across all its riders in 2026.

Also Read: MotoGP: Bezzecchi Heads Aprilia 1-2 with Fernandez at Valencia GP

The V4 will be used by four Yamaha riders next year: Toprak Razgatlioglu, who joins from Pramac, Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins and Jack Miller. The transition aligns with Yamaha’s plan to meet current demands around aerodynamics, tyre management and fuel consumption under the revised race formats. Engineers have stated that the V4 platform offers a broader setup window, which could simplify adaptation between circuits and improve data correlation during development.

The new engine has led to a complete redesign of the M1, which last won the title under Quartararo in 2021. General manager Takahiro Sumi acknowledged that the inline-four formed the foundation of Yamaha’s racing record, contributing to 125 race wins and eight world titles. He added that the structure of MotoGP now required a different platform to remain consistent with technical and competitive demands.

The 1000cc V4 is expected to run only through the 2026 season as MotoGP moves toward 850cc engines under the next technical regulations set for 2027. This shift fits Yamaha’s plan to align its development timeline with future rule changes.

Also Read: Formula E Gen4 Car Revealed with 789bhp All-Wheel-Drive Powertrain

The new project is central to Yamaha’s long-term MotoGP roadmap, which includes efforts to retain its main riders beyond 2026. The full 2026 line-up will begin testing on Tuesday in Valencia, signalling the start of Yamaha’s next development phase as the team works to adapt to evolving technical standards.