The Yamaha Factory Racing team has officially announced the retirement of the inline four engine from the MotoGP spec YZR-M1. The racing team on Sunday confirmed the YZR-M1 machines will be powered by the V4 engine from the 2026 season onwards. Sunday's Grand Prix of the Valencian Community marked the farewell outing for Yamaha's legendary inline-four engine in MotoGP. With this chapter closed, the brand now turns the page to a new era, beginning Tuesday's Valencia Test, where all 2026 Yamaha MotoGP riders will debut the V4 engine. The shift signals not just a technical evolution, but the dawn of an exciting future for Yamaha and its global fanbase.
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Yamaha's inline four-powered MotoGP bike has had a long history of success on the track. The inline four engine has contributed to the achievements of Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Fabio Quartararo. Yamaha's famous inline-four engine raced in 429 Grands Prix, winning 125 times and earning over 350 podiums. It also helped Yamaha achieve eight Riders' Championships, seven Team titles, five Manufacturer titles, and five MotoGP Triple Crowns.
Massimo Bartolini, Technical Director, Yamaha Factory Racing, 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.
"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."