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Yamaha has finally done it – the all-new 2026 Yamaha YZR-M1 V4 has been revealed, and it wasted no time hitting the track with its debut at Misano! For the very first time in MotoGP history, Yamaha is stepping away from their iconic crossplane inline-four engine, introducing a bold V4-powered prototype.
In this video, we break down everything you need to know: the redesigned aero package, slimmer tail, new side aero, revised bellypan, and a completely overhauled exhaust system with dual silencers. Plus, we’ll talk about why this V4 matters so much ahead of the 2027 MotoGP regulation changes when capacity drops from 1000cc to 850cc.
We also cover Augusto Fernández’s first test session on the V4 at Misano, Fabio Quartararo’s strong pace on the inline-four, and what this means for Yamaha’s future. Could this be the turning point that brings Yamaha back to the front, or just a short-lived experiment before the rule changes?
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. Such a challenge comes with high stakes and pressure: it's the type of project that can only be done right when it's not just a 'team effort' but a 'company effort', and all involved have to give it 100%. "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.
"We thank the fans for their never-failing support, and we hope that they will continue to show interest in our journey back to the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing. Exploration is part of Yamaha's DNA. The V4‑powered prototype opens an additional technical pathway. We will race what proves most competitive."
— TAKAHIRO SUMI, General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division The development of the V4-powered prototype is the result of a collaborative effort between Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) in Japan, Yamaha Motor Racing (YMR) in Europe, and a select group of technical partners, alongside the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team. "The track will ultimately determine whether we have achieved our goals, but I'm already proud of the challenging spirit we've embraced in reshaping how we work: faster, more agile, and more open to leveraging our global assets, both organizationally and technically.
"Within this renewed approach, signing Andrea and Augusto last year was a pivotal moment in bringing Plan V to life. Given its scope, the upcoming 850cc project, and the change in tyre supplier, having two test riders was essential. Their complementary strengths were also a key consideration: Andrea brings a development discipline that aligns perfectly with our pursuit of high-quality feedback. His decades at the top of MotoGP and deep technical expertise make him an invaluable asset. Augusto, meanwhile, has seamlessly complemented Andrea's work, especially through his contributions in tests and wild-card entries. As a recent full-time MotoGP rider still in peak form, he's instrumental in pushing the limits of our new V4 engine and prototype bike. These stress tests not only yield critical data but also offer a clear view of our competitive reality.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cal Crutchlow for his work as a Test Rider over the past years. Although he has not been involved in the V4 project, we remain deeply grateful for his longstanding contributions to Yamaha‘s bike development.
"Looking ahead, we're thrilled that both Andrea and Augusto have chosen to continue their journey with us into 2026 and 2027, remaining key figures in the evolution of the V4 project. This weekend's wild-card entry marks an exciting new chapter, one we believe will capture the attention of MotoGP fans."
— PAOLO PAVESIO, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing
"The development of the V4-equipped prototype has progressed according to a structured, phased plan. Thus far, we have completed dyno testing, followed by track correlation, and this weekend we are conducting 'stress tests' under real-life GP conditions.
"As for the next steps: this Monday we'll have the IRTA test with Fabio and Álex, aimed at expanding our data set. We are unable to disclose details regarding private test sessions, but we remain fully committed to the programme and are approaching each phase with the utmost diligence.
"We are applying a comprehensive and disciplined approach, ensuring no aspect is overlooked. At this stage, I'm pleased to report that the progress is in line with our expectations. If all goes well this weekend and on Monday, subsequent steps include further testing at Sepang and Valencia."
— KAZUHIRO MASUDA, Yamaha YZR-M1 Project Leader Our team has designed a coherent package: power delivery, chassis balance, and aerodynamics tuned as a system. This weekend's focus is not on performance benchmarks, but on operational learning under real-world MotoGP Grand Prix conditions.
"Our key objectives are to validate core assumptions, gather high-quality data, and inform the next phase of iteration. While the long-term ambition remains a competitive V4 platform for the 2026 season, any final commitment will be based on an evaluation of outcomes at the end of the 2025 programme. "This initiative is a strategic approach to broaden our technical options and accelerate our learning curve to ensure we make the most informed decision for our future in MotoGP racing."
— MASSIMO BARTOLINI, Technical Director, Yamaha Factory Racing "Since the very first outing in Malaysia, the project has given me very positive feelings. From the moment I tried the V4-powered prototype, I liked it straight away. With every run the feeling has improved, and I've always sensed great potential. Of course, there is still work to be done, but the indications so far are very encouraging. I believe we've made excellent progress, and I'm really enjoying this role as a test rider. I'm working very well with the Yamaha engineers, we're building a strong relationship and gaining a deeper understanding step by step.
"I'm also very pleased with the relationship I have with Augusto. We're working extremely well together, we share very similar feedback, and it's both satisfying and enjoyable to collaborate with him. I really look forward to seeing him race on the new bike." — ANDREA DOVIZIOSO, Test Rider & Riders Performance Advisor "I'm really excited to race with the new bike. It's an honour to be involved in such a big project for Yamaha and to be the first one to race the new bike! It will be a weekend during which we focus on improving our V4-powered prototype and define its strengths and weaknesses whilst riding with the rest of the MotoGP riders, in real time, in a race setting. So, it will be an important weekend – we get to see where we stand – so I'm really excited for this GP and can't wait to start."
— AUGUSTO FERNÁNDEZ, Yamaha Factory Racing Test Rider
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- I am no fan of BMW, However they seem to be very competitive with their inline 4s. Also of note, Yamaha is not new to V-4 engines . THE V-Max was not a motoGP engine, but it was a reliable beast of a bike for many years,so it seems to me Yamaha has tons of R&D,data to build a lighter compact V-4. THEN… there is the smaller engine rules for 2027 and with the small V-4 Engines being made for BENDAs cruisers now, I am hoping to see Chinese motorcycles, like CFMoto become a force in MOTOGP. Exciting times ahead in motorcycle racing indeed.👍🏼👏- I truly hope they manufacture it and sell it to the public. The R1 Cross plane was so awesome from an engineering standpoint. I can’t wait to see how they revolutionize the V4!!
- My understanding the first go they just scabbed the V4 into inline chassis but the next version was with all new chassis
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