2026 will be the end of an era in MotoGP, since in 2027 a new regulation will enter into force. But it could also be the end of online engines in the category, because Yamaha is evolving its V4 engine and could have it ready for the next season.
From the outside this movement is strange, but in statements to MotoGP.com, Max Bartolini acknowledged that the engine was evolving and that if the motorcycle of 2026 would be competitive, it would use this engine.
First it must be said that with the freezing of engines 2026, this would be possible due to the concessions that Yamaha has, so a priori could be feasible. But the truth is that it is released a V4 engine does not only imply a change in the concept of the propeller, but it requires completely changing the motorcycle and, therefore, the M1 as we know it, would cease to exist.
Currently, except for Yamaha the rest of the brands already work with a V4 engine, but this is when a new doubt arises. And, as we said, the MotoGP regulation changes for 2027 and among all these changes is also the engine. While it is true that there will be no variations in regards to allowed configurations and that it is almost certain that there will be no surprises and all engines will be tetracylindrical, it is also true that the current thrusters will require adaptations to this new regulation.
The Yamaha V4 engine is really by 2026?
And that leaves the question of whether Yamaha really has in mind this V4 engine by 2026, or is already working in 2027 with all the technical characteristics they will need for the new regulation, including the motorcycle.
Because so far there is no certainty that this V4 engine has come to the track, and although last week in the Valencia tests that Yamaha carried out along with Honda there is no certainty that they have tried it and, of course, there is no confirmation of any kind by the Japanese firm.
What is no doubt that the Yamaha M1 with its current engine is taking small steps in competitiveness, but seems very limited by the four online configuration and not only in terms of power.
So in the air it is known if Yamaha is really working on his motorcycle of 2026, or perhaps he loses next season and goes one step ahead to give the bell in 2027.
In any case, both for one and for another option we have no choice but to continue waiting, because so far the only certainty is that Yamaha is working on a V4 engine. But if it is better or worse, if it is for the current regulation or for the future and if it is, which is what matters, the piece that Yamaha lacks to be up to only the passage of the weeks and months will tell us.
