Yamaha unveils V4 MotoGP bike

Ahead of its introduction next year, the V4-powered version of Yamaha’s YZR-M1 has made its racing debut. Factory test rider Augusto Fernandez was a wildcard entry on the V4 Yamaha in the San Marino GP on 13-14 September, while Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins spent time on the V4 for the IRTA official test at Misano on 15 September.

Currently the only manufacturer in MotoGP with an inline four engine, Yamaha hope switching to a V4 will reverse a winless streak in the premier class that (at time of writing) stretches back to 2022 when Quartararo won the German Grand Prix.

Fernandez’s wildcard entry was described by Yamaha as a data gathering exercise under race conditions, while the subsequent Misano test was a continuation of development work that the factory team has been undertaking throughout 2025.

At the GP, Fernandez was at the tail end of the timesheets in the Free Practise sessions and qualified in 22nd place. Finishing 18th in the Sprint, Fernandez improved to finish 14th in the feature race. In the Misano test, Rins was the best of the two factory riders, with a 15th fastest time on the V4 across the day’s two sessions.

Aside from the engine configuration, the V4 YZR-M1 differs from the existing inline four bike in a few areas. Most notably, there’s a dual exhaust system that routes one exit to the right of the swingarm and the other under the tail. This has also resulted in changes to the aerodynamics of the tail, while repositioned side vents in the fairing have, presumably, been made to improve airflow to, or heat extraction from, the V4’s rear cylinder bank.

By introducing the V4 to race conditions now, Yamaha hope to have the package competitive before the 2026 MotoGP season gets underway. However, with engine displacement for the premier class being cut to 850cc in 2027, the V4 will race for only one season in 1,000cc form before it has to change again.

Further testing of the V4 YZR-M1 will be undertaken at Sepang and Valencia in early 2026.

“We have taken on an ambitious project developing a new V4 engine and a whole new bike, and it is particularly demanding when done simultaneously with the 2025 bike development,” said Takahiro Sumi - General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division, Yamaha.
"From the start of the V4 project there were many questions to be answered, and we are still in the development stage, but one thing is for certain: our goal is to return Yamaha to winning ways with an evidence based approach. The V4 powered prototype reflects one integrated project, where Japan and Europe share responsibilities and expertise.

“Thanks to the hard work of Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, Technical Director Max Bartolini, the Yamaha engineers, the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team, the test riders, the technical partners and all others who contributed, we are able to take strategic steps and make progress."