Iwata factory says sayonara to highly successful inline-four after 23 years
Yamaha has officially confirmed that its YZR-M1 will move to a V4 engine configuration from the 2026 MotoGP season, calling time on the marque’s long-serving inline-four – an engine layout that’s been synonymous with Yamaha’s Grand Prix identity for decades.
The decision isn’t a shock, with Yamaha having hinted for some time that a switch was on the cards, but today’s announcement puts a definitive stamp on the factory’s future direction. It also underlines Yamaha’s intention to stay competitive as MotoGP’s technical landscape shifts under new aero demands, tyre characteristics and the constant chase for acceleration gains.
The outgoing inline-four is nothing short of iconic. It powered some of the sport’s biggest names – including Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Fabio Quartararo – and delivered an enviable haul of results. Across 429 MotoGP starts, the layout notched 125 wins, more than 350 podiums, eight riders’ crowns, seven team titles, five manufacturers’ titles and five MotoGP Triple Crowns. For many fans, particularly those who grew up in the Rossi era, the inline-four was Yamaha.
But with the class evolving, Yamaha says the time is right to take on the V4 challenge. The new configuration promises stronger acceleration, improved braking stability and better compatibility with the latest Michelin tyres and aero packages. According to Yamaha, development will move quickly throughout the 2025 season, with the aim of hitting the ground running when the regulations reset in 2026.
Valencia’s season finale marked the final race outing for the inline-four. Yamaha’s 2026 riders – Jack Miller, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo, will all be riding the new V4 for at tomorrow’s post-season Valencia test. It’s fair to say the Tuesday outing is one of the more important tests in recent memory for Yamaha, with Quartararo having made clear that he will pursue other options in 2027 if Yamaha don’t produce a more competitive package.
Yamaha also released a ‘heartfelt message from the M1’ to mark the occasion.
TAKAHIRO SUMI, General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division
“The inline-four has been at the heart of Yamaha’s philosophy for decades. It delivered unforgettable victories and shaped our reputation for precision and control. We are proud of what this engine has achieved and of the riders who made history with it, as they all together have shaped our racing heritage.” “However, MotoGP is constantly evolving, and we must evolve with it. The V4 represents a new chapter for Yamaha, one that combines our ‘Spirit of Challenge’ with our racing DNA and the technical solutions required to fight at the top.” “Our goal remains the same: to give our riders the best possible motorcycle to win and to bring fans all around the world the feeling of ‘Kando*’.” * Kando is a Japanese word to express the deep satisfaction and excitement you get when encountering something of exceptional value, quality, and performance.
“The decision to adopt a V4 engine was not taken lightly. As you can imagine, the development process was extensive. We analysed every aspect of performance, from acceleration to cornering behaviour, and concluded that this configuration offers the differences we expected, so we will have the potential to translate these into advantages. “The 2025 wild cards confirmed our expectations: the V4, though still at the start of its development journey, delivers what we need to be able to take further steps and compete at the highest level again. “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.”
