Yamaha Factory Racing has taken a bold step into the future of MotoGP, unveiling its much-anticipated V4-powered M1 prototype to the public on September 11, 2025, at the Misano paddock hospitality unit. After months of speculation and private testing behind closed doors, the wraps finally came off the striking blue-liveried machine, signaling a dramatic shift in engineering philosophy for the Japanese manufacturer. This marks the first time Yamaha has departed from its signature inline four-cylinder engine in favor of a V4 configuration, a move that could redefine its trajectory in the fiercely competitive world of MotoGP.
The timing of the unveiling is no coincidence. With the San Marino Grand Prix just days away, Yamaha is poised to make its race debut with the new V4 prototype on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Test rider Augusto Fernandez will have the honor of piloting the machine in its maiden competitive outing, while the team’s star racer, Fabio Quartararo, is scheduled for another test session at Misano immediately after the race, following his initial private shakedown in Barcelona earlier in the week.
This isn’t just a new bike—it’s a complete overhaul of Yamaha’s MotoGP DNA. The transition from an inline four-cylinder to a 1000cc V4 engine required a fundamental redesign of the M1’s dimensions and architecture. According to project leader Kazuhiro Masuda, "At this stage, I'm pleased to report that the progress is in line with our expectations." The new V4 engine is set to make its full debut in 2026, just ahead of the sweeping regulation changes in 2027 that will see MotoGP machines switch to smaller 850cc engines. Yet Yamaha isn’t waiting around; it’s determined to push the boundaries now, even as the rest of the grid prepares for the next era.
Yamaha’s ambitions are clear. Takakiro Sumi, the company’s general manager in the Motor Sports Development Division, described the project as nothing short of monumental. "We have taken on an ambitious project developing a new V4 engine and a whole new bike, and it is particularly demanding when done simultaneously with the 2025 bike development," Sumi explained. “Such a challenge comes with high stakes and pressure: it’s the type of project that can only be done right when it’s not just a ‘team effort’ but a ‘company effort’, and all involved have to give it 100%."
Indeed, the V4-powered prototype is the result of a truly international collaboration. Sumi emphasized, "The V4-powered prototype reflects one integrated project where Japan and Europe share responsibilities and expertise. Thanks to the hard work of Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, Technical Director Max Bartolini, the Yamaha engineers, the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team, the test riders, the technical partners, and all others who contributed, we are able to take strategic steps and make progress." The sense of unity and shared purpose is palpable, as Yamaha seeks to leverage every ounce of its global talent pool in pursuit of MotoGP glory.
From a technical standpoint, the shift to a V4 layout is no small feat. Yamaha had long remained the last holdout among MotoGP manufacturers, steadfastly committed to its inline four-cylinder philosophy even as rivals reaped the benefits of V4 power. However, the consensus within the team was that the existing concept had reached its developmental ceiling. The new engine not only promises a leap in performance but also opens the door to a fresh wave of innovation. As Sumi put it, “Exploration is part of Yamaha’s DNA. The V4-powered prototype opens an additional technical pathway. We will race what proves most competitive.”
Test rider Andrea Dovizioso has been effusive in his praise for the new machine. “Since the very first outing in Malaysia, the project has given me very positive feelings,” Dovizioso shared. “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.” Such endorsements from experienced hands underscore the optimism within the Yamaha camp, even as the project remains very much in its development phase.
While the V4’s competitive debut at Misano is a key milestone, Yamaha is clear-eyed about the road ahead. The regulations currently prevent factory riders like Quartararo and Alex Rins from switching to the V4 bike before the end of the season, despite Yamaha’s status as a concession manufacturer, which grants it greater freedom to introduce engine changes during the year. For now, the emphasis is on learning and gathering data. As Masuda noted, "If all goes well this weekend and on Monday, subsequent steps include further testing at Sepang and Valencia." The team is determined to squeeze every ounce of insight from each test and race scenario.
Looking ahead, Yamaha confirmed that Augusto Fernandez will remain as a test rider for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, ensuring continuity and a wealth of experience as the V4 project matures. The presence of such seasoned development riders is crucial, especially as the team juggles the demands of racing the current M1 while simultaneously preparing for the future.
Yamaha’s commitment to returning to winning ways is unmistakable. Sumi articulated the company’s philosophy: “From the start of the V4 project there were many questions to be answered, and we are still in the development stage, but one thing is for certain: our goal is to return Yamaha to winning ways with an evidence-based approach.” It’s a sentiment echoed throughout the organization, from the engineering workshops in Japan to the paddock garages of Europe.
Fans, too, have played a vital role in sustaining the project’s momentum. Sumi expressed gratitude, saying, “We thank the fans for their never-failing support, and we hope that they will continue to show interest in our journey back to the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing.” With excitement building around the V4’s debut, Yamaha’s loyal supporters have every reason to be optimistic about the future.
As the MotoGP paddock buzzes with anticipation ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix, all eyes will be on the new V4-powered M1. The coming days promise a wealth of insight as Fernandez takes the bike into battle for the first time, with further evaluations by Quartararo and Rins set to provide even more data for Yamaha’s engineers. The journey is far from over, but one thing’s for sure: Yamaha’s quest to reclaim its place at the top of motorcycle racing has entered an electrifying new chapter.
With the V4 project now out in the open and the first competitive laps imminent, the MotoGP world waits with bated breath to see just how far Yamaha’s latest gamble can take them. Whether the new engine becomes the cornerstone of future success or simply a stepping stone on the path to greater innovation, the passion and ambition fueling this project are impossible to ignore.
