Yamaha firms up switch to V4 engine for 2026 MotoGP season

All five MotoGP manufacturers will run V4-powered bikes in 2026

Yamaha has announced that it will press ahead with the development of its V4 engine and introduce it in its MotoGP bikes in 2026.

In parallel with its existing programme with the in-line four-cylinder engine, Yamaha has been working on a V4-powered M1 to bring it in line with the other four manufacturers on the grid.

After several months of testing behind closed doors, Yamaha showcased the new bike to the public for the first time at Misano in September, with test rider Augusto Fernandez taking part in the San Marino Grand Prix as a wildcard.

Fernandez returned to action on the V4-spec M1 in Malaysia and is also contesting this weekend’s Valencia Grand Prix finale with an updated frame.

While the initial feedback on the bike has been mixed, with its star rider Fabio Quartararo in particular not convinced by both its speed and potential, Yamaha has now confirmed that it will make the switch to the V4 in 2026.

In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, the Japanese manufacturer revealed that Valencia will mark the final time it will run an engine with a traditional in-line layout.

Augusto Fernandez, Yamaha Factory Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images

“Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. confirms that the YZR-M1 machines will be powered by the V4 engine starting from the 2026 MotoGP season,” it said in a statement.

“This decision aligns with Yamaha's earlier stated intentions to transition, underlining the continuity and transparency of Yamaha's engine development strategy.”

Yamaha said the move to a V4 engine is “expected to deliver improved acceleration, better handling under braking, and greater adaptability to the most recent tyres and aerodynamics requirements.”

It also confirmed that all four factory riders for 2026, including new Pramac signing and three-time World Superbike title winner Toprak Razgatlioglu, will ride the V4-spec M1 in Tuesday’s Valencia test. The team's 2026 line-up include factory team riders Quartararo and Alex Rins, plus Pramac duo Razgatlioglu and Jack Miller.

To accommodate the V4 motor, Yamaha had to completely rework the M1, which last won a championship in 2021 with Quartararo.

The new 1000cc V4 engine will only race in MotoGP for a single season, with the 2027 regulations stipulating a switch to smaller capacity 850cc units.