Yamaha is on the brink of a major MotoGP engine decision, with the manufacturer “fully committed” to its V4 project and close to determining whether the new engine will debut in competition. Since 2002, Yamaha has fielded inline-four engines in MotoGP, but began developing a V4 prototype in 2024 and has ramped up testing throughout 2025, utilizing factory test riders Augusto Fernandez and Andrea Dovizioso.
There’s strong anticipation that official race riders may get their first taste of the V4 at the upcoming post-race test in Misano. Additionally, Yamaha could opt to enter the V4-powered M1 in a wildcard race later this year, potentially with Fernandez, who has already wildcarded at Aragon and the Czech Grand Prix.
Managing Director Paolo Pavesio shared with MotoGP’s international broadcast team during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend that Yamaha is “getting very close” to making its final engine choice for 2026. Pavesio emphasized the twin challenges: ensuring the V4 matches or surpasses the current M1’s steadily improving performance, and allowing enough development time for a seamless transition.
While no official announcement has been made yet, Yamaha aims to be ready “for next season,” making the decision imminent. The move underscores Yamaha’s determination to innovate and regain competitiveness in MotoGP, with the V4 project at the heart of their next chapter.
Yamaha’s performance during the last Austrian MotoGP round fell short of expectations, highlighting the challenges the team has faced in recent seasons. All four Yamaha bikes occupied the last four positions in the race, with Fabio Quartararo being the only rider to score a point, finishing 15th. The weekend underscored ongoing issues with competitiveness and race pace—despite the M1 showing some incremental improvements, the gap to front-runners remains considerable. The lack of top 10 finishes has put renewed pressure on Yamaha’s development program and intensified the focus on their forthcoming V4 engine project. The team will be looking for clear progress as they push through 2025 and beyond, eager to reverse their fortunes with major technical changes on the horizon.
