Yamaha showcases V4-powered MotoGP bike ahead of race debut

After months of private testing, Yamaha has finally revealed its new V4-spec MotoGP bike to the public

Yamaha has unveiled its new V4-powered M1 MotoGP prototype ahead of its race debut at this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix.

The Japanese manufacturer took the covers off the bike, which was painted in a predominantly blue livery, at its hospitality unit in the Misano paddock on Thursday.

Although Yamaha’s V4 challenger has been in testing for several months, all previous outings took place behind closed doors, making this the first time it was shown in public.

The bike will now make its debut race appearance on Sunday, with test rider Augusto Fernandez at the helm.

Yamaha’s star rider Fabio Quartararo already sampled the bike in a private test at Barcelona on Monday, and is expected to receive another outing in the forthcoming Dorna test at Misano on Monday.

The new M1 represents a complete overhaul of Yamaha’s MotoGP bike, with the shift from an inline four-cylinder to a V4 layout forcing a fundamental redesign of its dimensions.

Yamaha Factory Racing V4

Photo by: Oriol Puigdemont

Yamaha remains the only manufacturer in MotoGP still running an inline four-cylinder engine, but in recent years it concluded that the concept had reached its limit.

Hence, even with a major regulation overhaul coming in 2027 that will see a switch to smaller-capacity 850cc engines, it pressed ahead with the development of the 1000cc V4 motor.

A full debut of the new engine is currently slated for 2026. MotoGP regulations may prevent Quartararo and factory team-mate Alex Rins from switching to the V4 bike towards the end of the season.

While Yamaha enjoys far greater freedom to introduce engine changes during the season as a concession manufacturer, the new M1 represents an entirely new bike.

While the emphasis at Misano will be on learning, Fernandez's fellow test rider Andrea Dovizioso was happy to talk up the machine's potential.

"Since the very first outing in Malaysia, the project has given me very positive feelings," said the Italian. "From the moment I tried the V4-powered prototype, I liked it straight away. With every run the feeling has improved, and I've always sensed great potential."

"At this stage, I'm pleased to report that the progress is in line with our expectations," added M1 project leader Kazuhiro Masuda. "If all goes well this weekend and on Monday, subsequent steps include further testing at Sepang and Valencia."

Yamaha also confirmed on Thursday that Fernandez will remain as test rider for 2026 and 2027.