Yamaha has officially confirmed it’s gunning to bring its long-awaited V4 engine to the MotoGP grid in 2026. Speaking during the German GP weekend, Yamaha’s Motorsport Director Paolo Pavesio revealed that the brand has set a “clear target” to race its new V4 next season. It’s a major shift for the Japanese manufacturer, which currently runs the only inline-four engine on the grid—a layout it’s stuck with since joining the four-stroke MotoGP era in 2002.
Why the Change Now?
With all manufacturers required to adapt to a new 850cc regulation set in 2027, Yamaha is using 2026 as a springboard to get ahead of the curve. While the current V4 bike still fits the existing rules, it’s primarily being developed as a learning platform to understand the dynamics of a completely different engine layout.
“We have to move into this new engine configuration for 2027 for sure,” Pavesio explained. “So we decided to anticipate the effort and maybe build a bike just for one year.”
Still a Question Mark for 2026
While Yamaha is pushing hard to get the V4 on the grid next season, Pavesio was careful to note that it’s not a done deal yet. The team is still evaluating if the new bike will be competitive enough to race in 2026. Regardless, Yamaha sees the effort as essential preparation for 2027, when the rulebook will reset.
“It’s incredibly challenging but also exciting,” he said. “We’re trying to gather as much knowledge as we can, because the balance of the bike changes completely with a V4. We’re learning a new world.”
Development in Progress
Right now, the V4 has only been ridden by Yamaha’s test squad, but Fabio Quartararo is expected to get his first taste in September. His teammate Alex Rins, who recently watched the bike in action at Brno, estimated that it’s currently around two seconds per lap slower than the existing M1.
Still, Pavesio insists there’s progress: “We’ve already seen a clear performance increase in our current bike, and we’re developing two different bikes in parallel—one for 2026, one for 2027.”
Looking Ahead
Whether the V4 hits the grid in 2026 or not, Yamaha’s message is clear: the transition is happening, and they’re all-in. After a few tough seasons, this could be the reset they’ve been waiting for.
Time will tell if the V4 gamble puts them back in the title fight—but it definitely marks a bold new chapter for the factory.
