Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP has officially launched its 2026 campaign in Jakarta, Indonesia, unveiling the all-new V4-powered YZR-M1 alongside a refreshed livery ahead of the season-opening Sepang test.
The presentation took place as part of Yamaha Motor Indonesia’s dealer meeting in Jakarta, where riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins were introduced alongside the completely redesigned machine that marks the beginning of Yamaha’s V4 era.
The new livery retains the characteristic camouflage theme but features increased blue and white elements, departing from previous colour schemes as Yamaha enters what it’s calling “phase two” of its Blue Shift plan.
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The switch to V4 architecture represents Yamaha’s most significant technical change in recent MotoGP history, with the manufacturer developing the new engine configuration in parallel with racing its inline-four throughout 2025 – described by team management as an unprecedented challenge in the modern MotoGP era.
Takahiro Sumi, general manager of Yamaha Motor’s Motor Sports Development Division, outlined early performance gains from the new platform.
“We’ve already seen encouraging signs: improved braking stability, better acceleration potential, and a more consistent feeling over long runs,” Sumi said. “Our focus for 2026 is centred on accelerating development speed and ensuring seamless integration between design, testing, and racing.”
Quartararo, who came close to victory on several occasions in 2025, expressed enthusiasm for the new project.
“The V4 engine is a big change, and I can’t wait to feel how it will develop on track,” the Frenchman said. “I’ve been training hard all winter, so I’m ready to give it my all.”
Rins, who gained momentum late in 2025 with a strong showing at the Indonesian GP, echoed his teammate’s optimism.
“The new bike gives us more development opportunities, and that’s highly motivating,” Rins commented. “It’s a new era for Yamaha, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Paolo Pavesio, managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing, used the launch to confirm DP World as a new partner, citing their logistics expertise as crucial for the team’s operations across the 22-round championship.
Monster Energy’s longstanding relationship with Yamaha was also highlighted, with the title sponsorship having begun in 2019 at an event also held in Jakarta.
Thanks to MotoGP’s concessions system, Yamaha will field all its riders at the shakedown test before the official Sepang test commences in early February, giving the manufacturer valuable extra track time to develop the new V4 package.
Team director Massimo Meregalli emphasised a measured approach for 2026, focusing on extracting performance and building consistency as the team gets acquainted with the new machine rather than chasing immediate results.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team will take to the track at Sepang in the coming weeks for the first official test of the 2026 season.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
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