Yamaha is on the verge of a major transformation in MotoGP, as it prepares to introduce a V4 engine, marking a significant departure from its traditional inline-four configuration used since 2002. Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Racing Managing Director, affirmed the company’s full dedication to this project and revealed that a crucial decision about the engine’s future is imminent.
This development highlights Yamaha’s attempt to regain a competitive edge by investing in new technology, and the V4 engine has already undergone extensive testing throughout 2025 with factory test riders Augusto Fernandez and Andrea Dovizioso, indicating promising potential for enhanced performance.
Testing Milestones and Anticipated Debut at Misano
Industry experts and fans are closely monitoring Yamaha’s progress as the company plans to showcase the V4 engine during the Misano post-race test this September. Speculation is growing that Fernandez might participate in a wildcard race entry later this year, following his previous wildcard runs at Aragon and the Czech Grand Prix. This would provide Yamaha a real-world testing ground to evaluate the engine’s competitive viability on the track.
Despite these developments, Yamaha has not officially confirmed whether the V4 will replace the inline-four in 2026, but statements from Pavesio underscore the time-sensitive nature of the decision.
“We are getting very close [to a decision],”
he said at the Red Bull Ring, adding,
“As we said, we need to take all the time we have because it’s a very big challenge, of course.”
—Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Racing Managing Director
Challenges in Engine Development Amidst Improving M1 Performance
Pavesio also admitted that developing the V4 engine is a difficult task, especially as the current Yamaha M1 continues to improve its performance. The M1’s ongoing progress creates high expectations for the new engine to not only match but exceed its capabilities on the track.
“It’s a hard development project, but we are fully committed to it,”
Pavesio affirmed, emphasizing Yamaha’s determination despite the technical hurdles involved. —Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Racing Managing Director
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Yamaha’s V4 Decision on MotoGP
The upcoming decision on the V4 engine will be a defining moment for Yamaha’s future in MotoGP. Moving to a V4 architecture could alter the competitive landscape and challenge Yamaha to reassert its status among the leading manufacturers. As the 2026 season approaches, riders, fans, and industry observers remain hopeful but cautious about the outcome of this ambitious engineering venture.
Yamaha’s readiness to embrace this radical change may not only secure its legacy but also influence the direction of MotoGP technology in the years to come, making this a development worth watching closely.
