Overview
- The new V4-powered M1 was presented in Jakarta, marking Yamaha’s move away from the inline-four it used since 2002, with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins revealing the bike and livery.
- Team leaders describe 2026 as a two-phase year that begins with adaptation to the new motorcycle before targeting steady result gains in the second half.
- As the lone manufacturer in Concession category D, Yamaha can field its regular riders in the Sepang shakedown on January 29–31 before the main tests on February 3–5 in Sepang and February 21–22 in Buriram.
- Technical chiefs say the V4 aims to deliver a wider performance window, citing early progress in braking and acceleration stability and emphasizing race-long consistency over headline one-lap speed.
- The project draws on 2025 V4 track work, including wildcard outings by test rider Augusto Fernandez, while the 2026 bike keeps Yamaha’s blue scheme with prominent Monster Energy branding.