Yamaha confirms V4 engine debut unlikely before 2026 MotoGP season

Yamaha's MotoGP chief Paolo Pavesio states that switching to a V4 engine in 2025 is unrealistic, pushing its debut to 2026.

Andrea Dovizioso of Italy and Yamaha Factory Racing talks with mechanics in the garage during the Malaysia MotoGP Test at Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 7, 2025. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Adila Ghina and Widya Putri

Yamaha has admitted that introducing a new V4 engine in its MotoGP bike before the end of the 2025 season is "unrealistic," confirming that the highly anticipated power unit is still in development and unlikely to be race-ready until at least 2026.

Since Suzuki's departure in 2022, Yamaha has remained the only manufacturer on the grid using an inline four-cylinder engine. While this configuration has delivered six titles since the start of the MotoGP era in 2002, the rise of Ducati's dominance has forced Yamaha to explore new technological advancements.

Yamaha's V4 project remains in development

At the end of last year, Yamaha confirmed it was in an advanced stage of developing a V4 engine, following an initial report by Autosport. However, a concrete timeline for its introduction was never established. Initially, there were suggestions that the new motor could make an appearance on track by mid-2025, but this now seems highly unlikely.

Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha's new MotoGP chief, has now provided clarity on the project’s status, emphasizing that the manufacturer will not rush the transition.

"Our goal in the short to medium term is to finish races in the top five. At the same time, we are developing the V4 project," Pavesio said. "It's an entire bike, not just an engine. We have to get results today while working for tomorrow. When the bike with the V4 engine is better than the one we use now—if it ever is—then we will introduce it.

"It is unrealistic to think about making the switch to V4 in 2025. When we give that bike to the official riders, we have to be convinced that it is at a good level."

Initial track debut delayed

The first on-track test for Yamaha’s V4 engine was expected to take place at Jerez in December, with former MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso set to conduct the initial testing. However, that test was ultimately canceled, and the power unit was shelved once again. Reports now suggest that the V4 engine may not make its first track appearance until April 2025, further delaying its potential race introduction.

Despite these setbacks, Yamaha has significantly increased its investment in MotoGP. Alongside securing Pramac Racing as a satellite team with full factory support, the manufacturer has also dedicated a specialized group within its technical department to focus solely on the V4 engine’s development.

Yamaha benefits from development concessions

While Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM will face regulatory engine freezes in 2025 and 2026, Yamaha and Honda will continue to benefit from MotoGP's concessions, allowing them to develop their power units without restrictions. This advantage provides Yamaha with more flexibility in refining the V4 engine before its eventual introduction.

With the 2025 MotoGP season fast approaching, Yamaha remains committed to balancing its current competitive aspirations with the long-term goal of successfully integrating its V4 engine. Although fans may have to wait until 2026 for the debut of this new power unit, Yamaha’s ongoing efforts indicate a strategic and calculated approach to regaining competitiveness in the championship.