Yamaha confirm YZR-M1 will get V4 engine, ends the inline-four time period

New Delhi: Yamaha Factory Racing team have officially announced the inline four engine’s retirement from the MotoGP spec YZR-M1. The racing team confirmed that the YZR-M1 machines will now be powered by the V4 engine from the 2026 season onwards. Last Sunday’s Grand Prix of the Valencian Community was the end of the line for the Yamaha legend, the inline-four engine in MotoGP.

The brand now moves towards a completely new era, starting with Tuesday’s Valencia Test, with all 2026 Yamaha MotoGP riders debuting with the V4 engine. The shift shows a technical evolution and change in the brand’s stance as well in terms of the future.

Also Read

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 lives on for NASCAR; gets styling upgrades

Toyota Hyryder goes past both Innova models for the first time

Next-gen Honda City to take cues from Radical 0 Series Sedan; expected in 2028

Yamaha’s inline four-powered MotoGP bike brought great glory on track, bringing great laurels for riders Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Fabio Quartararo. Having raced in 429 Grand Prix races, the powertrain has 125 victories to its name and more than 350 podium finishes. It also played a major role in bringing eight Riders’ Championships, seven Team titles, five Manufacturer crowns and five MotoGP Triple Crowns for Yamaha.

Yamaha Factory Racing, Technical Director, Massimo Bartolini said, “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.”

He further said that the V4 setup is equally strategic as it lets them position themselves for the 2027 technical regulations. He concluded that this engine layout will give them an advantage in relation to both bike layout and aerodynamic development.