Yamaha confirms its switch to V4 engines in 2026

After three Grand Prix appearances, one in Official Testing, and numerous private trials, Yamaha has made its decision. The Iwata factory will use its new V4 engine next year. This configuration can be described as a device with a 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks, instead of the 'inline-four' layout currently in use.

The inline four-cylinder engine had been the cornerstone of Yamaha's racing identity for decades. It helped the brand propel many riders to the top, including Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and more recently, the Frenchman fabio quartararoIn 429 Grands Prix, this engine won 125 races, achieved over 350 podium finishes, and helped Yamaha win 8 riders' titles, 7 teams' titles, 5 constructors' titles, and 5 triple crowns. MotoGP (the three championships).

"The inline four-cylinder engine allowed us to achieve unforgettable victories and forged our reputation for precision and control," Takahiro Sumi confirmed this via the official announcement. We are proud of what this engine has achieved and the riders who have made history with it, as together they have shaped our racing legacy. However, MotoGP is constantly evolving, and we must evolve with it. The V4 represents a new chapter for Yamaha, combining our competitive spirit with our racing DNA and the technical solutions needed to fight at the highest level.

The final race of Yamaha's 4-cylinder inline

And Massimo Bartolini, Yamaha's technical director, added: “The decision to adopt a V4 engine was not taken lightly. As you can imagine, the development process was lengthy. We analyzed every aspect of performance, from acceleration to cornering behavior, and concluded that this configuration offered the differences we were looking for, which will allow us to turn them into advantages.” The 2025 wild cards confirmed our expectations: the V4, although it doesn'tn, whether at the beginning of its development, provides us with what we need to go further and compete again at the highest level.

The new configuration should indeed offer improved acceleration, better braking performance, and greater adaptability to the latest tire and aerodynamic requirements. Unveiled at Misano, the V4's development process was rapid during the 2025 season. The Valencia Grand Prix therefore marks the final race for Yamaha's inline four-cylinder engine in MotoGP, as all its competitors have already switched to a V4 in recent years.

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