Yamaha full steam ahead with all riders on V4 starting today

Yamaha bid sayonara to the in-line 4 YZR-M1

And hello to the new V4 era

Yamaha has officially put the era of in-line four-cylinder power behind them, as from today, they are full steam ahead with the development of the V4 ahead of the 2026 season.

Valentino Rossi won Yamaha’s first modern era MotoGP crown with the OWP3 YZR-M1 in 2004

The inline-four has been a cornerstone of Yamaha’s racing identity for decades, powering legendary riders such as Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Fabio Quartararo to World Championship success.

Yamaha’s inline-four powered YZR-M1 has competed in 429 Grands Prix, won 125 races, stood on 350+ podiums, and helped Yamaha claim 8 Riders Titles, 7 Team Titles, 5 Manufacturer Titles and 5 MotoGP Triple Crowns.

Massimo Bartolini – Yamaha Factory Racing Technical Director

“The decision to adopt a V4 engine was not taken lightly. As you can imagine, the development process was extensive. We analysed every aspect of performance, from acceleration to cornering behaviour, and concluded that this configuration offers the differences we expected, so we will have the potential to translate these into advantages.

“The 2025 wild cards confirmed our expectations: the V4, though still at the start of its development journey, delivers what we need to be able to take further steps and compete at the highest level again.

“The switch from the inline-four to the V4 is a major step forward for Yamaha, and we are excited to continue refining the package ahead of 2026 and throughout the season to unlock its full potential.

“The shift to a V4 configuration is equally strategic, as it allows us to position ourselves for the 2027 technical regulations, when this engine layout will offer an advantage in terms of bike layout and aerodynamic development.”

The final of Rossi’s four titles with Yamaha came on the OWS8 YZR-M1 in 2009

However, as MotoGP evolves, Yamaha continues to embrace the challenge of adapting to new technical demands while preserving its unique DNA.

The move to the V4 marks a significant milestone in Yamaha’s pursuit of performance and innovation. The new configuration is expected to deliver improved acceleration, better handling under braking, and greater adaptability to the latest tyre and aerodynamic requirements.

Jorge Lorenzo took the first of his three World Championships with Yamaha in 2009 on the OWS9 YZR-M1

Last weekend’s Grand Prix of the Valencian Community marked the final race and the closing chapter for Yamaha’s iconic inline-four engine in MotoGP.

Fabio Quartararo won Yamaha’s most recent MotoGP crown with the OWX1 in 2021

Stepping into a new era, all 2026 Yamaha MotoGP riders will ride with the V4 engine during today’s Valencia Test.

Takahiro Sumi – Yamaha Motor Sports Development Division General Manager

“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. We are proud of what this engine has achieved and of the riders who made history with it, as they all together have shaped our racing heritage.

“However, MotoGP is constantly evolving, and we must evolve with it. The V4 represents a new chapter for Yamaha, one that combines our ‘Spirit of Challenge’ with our racing DNA and the technical solutions required to fight at the top.

“Our goal remains the same: to give our riders the best possible motorcycle to win and to bring fans all around the world the feeling of ‘Kando*’.”