For the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, Yamaha will switch to their new V4 engine.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. have confirmed that the YZR-M1 machines will be powered by the V4 engine starting from the 2026 MotoGP season.
After competing in 429 Grands Prix with the inline-four engine, Yamaha will switch to the V4 engine for the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.
The Japanese manufacturer will now run the same engine layout as every other manufacturer, meaning the inline-four will no longer be present in MotoGP.
"The inline-four has been at the heart of Yamaha's philosophy for decades," Takahiro Sumi, General Manager of Yamaha Motor Sports Development Division.
"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*'."
Massimo Bartolini, Yamaha Factory Racing Technical Director, added: "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."
