Max Bartolini admits that Yamaha’s 2026 switch to V4 MotoGP engine seems ‘crazy’

Add as preferred source on Google

Max Bartolini has addressed the ‘crazy’ decision for Yamaha to switch to a V4 for the final year of 1000cc engines.

Yamaha made the bold decision to abandon their tried and tested inline four engine, as they switched to the V4 configuration for 2026.

The Japanese manufacturer decided to join the other manufacturers on the MotoGP grid with the V4 engine, but they have found themselves behind their rivals.

Despite only one year remaining of the 1000cc engines in MotoGP, Yamaha have defended the decision to switch to the V4 at what seemed like an odd time.

Will Yamaha return to winning ways with a V4 engine in 2026?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Yamaha address the ‘crazy’ decision to switch to a V4 engine

In an interview with Speedweek, the Yamaha technical director, Max Bartolini, discussed the ‘crazy’ decision to switch to a V4 engine.

The Italian addressed the situation as he believes one year with a 1000cc V4 will benefit Yamaha, as they have realised the 850cc V4 and the 1000cc V4 are ‘very similar’.

Yamaha hope that one year with a V4 engine will give them the experience to build the M1 around the new configuration.

Bartolini said, “The 850 is in many ways a sibling of our current engine. We will change some parts because it is gradually becoming clear that we can do things differently. However, the basic concept of the engine is very similar.

“From the outside, it seems crazy that we built a 1000 cc V-engine for just one year. But that gives us the opportunity to understand this engine and build the right bike around it.”

Yamaha’s V4 made no progress over the winter break

The Yamaha V4 debuted in the second half of the 2025 season as test rider Augusto Fernandez competed in wildcards with the engine configuration.

During the Spaniard’s time with the V4 inside his M1, he was struggling for race pace as he finished between 40 and 50 seconds behind the race winner.

This theme continued with the 2026 V4, as during the Buriram test, data suggested that race runs for Yamaha place them 40 to 50 seconds behind the leaders.

As well as struggling with race pace, Yamaha are still struggling for one lap pace as no Yamaha rider progressed into Q2 on Friday at the Thai Grand Prix.