Yamaha reveals ‘clear target' for MotoGP 2026
The Japanese team – the only one currently running an inline four in MotoGP races – has been developing the V4 behind the scenes since last year. The engine and bike conform to the current rule set, which ends after 2026.
Advertisement
This project is thus additional to that of preparing a new Yamaha for 2027, when all manufacturers will have to produce something different to conform to the 850cc formula.
Speaking at the German Grand Prix on Saturday, Pavesio said the target was for the 'current-spec' V4 to race next year.
While he admitted that it was by no means guaranteed that Yamaha would achieve that target, he explained that the V4 project would prove a worthwhile investment for 2027 either way.
'We have to move into this new engine configuration for 2027 for sure,' he said. 'This is somehow a bit of an unknown world. The bike is changing, the balance of the bike is changing, so you need to learn things.
Advertisement
'This is why we have decided to anticipate the effort and maybe to build a bike for [only] one year… because we are still not sure that we will race in 2026 with the new V4-based machine – even if this is clearly the target.
Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Racing Managing Director, Lin Jarvis
Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Racing Managing Director, Lin Jarvis
'We need to start collecting new information and learn a new kind of configuration, looking to 2027 but already potentially starting from 2026. This is why we are doing what we are doing.
'It's an incredibly challenging but also exciting moment. We try to do as much as we can on the current bike to make it more competitive. I think, as we said, we have already seen a clear performance increase.
Advertisement
'We are developing a bike for 2026 and we are also working in parallel on the bike for 2027. It's complex, it's exciting, but it's also needed if we want to be back where we want to be.'
While the V4 bike has only been ridden by Yamaha's test riders so far, Fabio Quartararo is expected to try it in September.
His team-mate Alex Rins saw the bike in action for the first time in a test at Brno last week, reporting that it had reached a level around two seconds per lap slower than the current race bike.
Read Also:
Yamaha's V4 is two seconds a lap slower than current MotoGP bike, says Alex Rins
To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bradley Barcola transfer would throw up crucial Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi question for Liverpool
Liverpool's 2025 summer transfers will be remembered for many years to come as a whirlwind window, one that FSG seemingly unshackled itself of the usual constraints, flexed its muscles and showed that the Reds are among the biggest on the planet. Few could have seriously predicted a summer spend of just under $400 million, or around £300M. The arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike are statement signings on the back of such a convincing title win - and they could still be eclipsed by Alexander Isak's potential deal. Should Newcastle United's stance soften, then Liverpool is likely to make its move despite already landing a new No. 9. But for all the hype, the squad remains light in two key departments. Center-back is the most obvious given Trey Nyoni, Andy Robertson and Wataru Endo all started at the heart of defense during Monday's double header against Athletic Bilbao. READ MORE: Liverpool 'admires' Marc Guehi transfer alternative as Reds face Tottenham competition READ MORE: Everything Eddie Howe has said on Alexander Isak as striker banished amid Liverpool transfer saga Arne Slot's resources in the wide areas should also raise a few eyebrows. Luis Diaz's departure and the expected exit of Federico Chiesa leaves the Reds with just two recognized senior wingers in Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Rio Ngumoha is expected to play a bigger part at first-team level this term, although Slot will be wary of placing too much onus on a 16-year-old's shoulders. Ben Doak could also be an option, but is open to leaving this summer, while Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ekitike can all be utilized out wide. But it's still an area of concern for the Reds. Rodrygo has been mentioned as a possible solution, Anthony Gordon's name has again cropped up in media whispers, and Malick Fofana was briefly flavor of the month. On Wednesday, with less than four weeks of the window left, another name emerged. Bradley Barcola will need no introduction to Liverpool supporters. The 22-year-old played in every single Paris Saint-Germain Champions League game en route to winning the competition last season, including the last-16 matches against Liverpool, and provided 21 goals and 21 assists in all competitions. They're staggering numbers, so reports in L'Equipe that the Reds are considering a move for PSG star, while not ruling out a move for Isak too, will have been well received on Merseyside. Transfer reporter Sacha Tavoleieri has since claimed Liverpool is planning a 'concrete offer' and wrote on X that any transfer would be north of €100M ($117M/£87M). Should it happen, it's a deal that would make sense for Liverpool given its lack of options in the wide areas, while Barcola would fit into the age range and talent required to pique FSG's interest. That he has fallen out of Luis Enrique's first-choice XI is another factor worth considering. On the surface, it seems more practical to add a winger above a striker - although that stance could shift if Darwin Nunez leaves in the next few days. A common question over recent weeks has been how Liverpool can afford such a lavish outlay this window. Those in the know on the complex topics of PSR, SCR, and FFP have repeatedly insisted Liverpool's finances are so healthy that concluding a deal for Isak remains possible. The bigger question, perhaps, is whether Isak, Barcola, and a center-back—let's say Marc Guehi—could be acquired in the coming weeks while Liverpool remains within the financial regulations. If so, that really would be a summer for the ages! For now, it seems a bizarre verdict on a title-winning squad that has strengthened to such an extent in the market, but Slot's group does still feel a little light in certain areas. Barcola would undeniably help and provide FSG with another statement signing.
New York Times
6 minutes ago
- New York Times
Mikel Arteta hopeful Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard will be available for Athletic Club game
Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard will be fit when Arsenal host Athletic Club on Saturday, August 9 'if everything goes to plan'. Havertz missed their 3-2 home defeat to Villarreal with a muscle issue. Calafiori felt a tweak in their 3-2 win over Newcastle United in Singapore, while Trossard picked up a groin issue in a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong, with both players missing the Villarreal game. Advertisement On the trio, Arteta said: 'Yesterday in training he [Havertz] felt something and this morning he wasn't quite right, so we decided to rest him. I think it will be a matter of a couple of days. Hopefully by the weekend, if everything goes to plan, he will be fit. 'The three that we lost during the tour were Big Gabi (Magalhaes), Leo and Ricky. For Saturday I think they both [Trossard and Calafiori] have a chance if everything in the next few days evolves in the way they have already been.' In the Villarreal loss, Gabriel played his first minutes for Arsenal since April 1, when he suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery at the end of last season. He was joined by Jurrien Timber, who also got his first minutes of pre-season after suffering an ankle injury in May. New signing Viktor Gyokeres made his first start for the club, playing 63 minutes before Arteta made wholesale changes to his side. With Havertz absent, Mikel Merino finished the game up front. On Gyokeres, the Arsenal manager said: 'It was very important for him to start a match and start to have the feeling and the connection with the team. 'He's been with us only a week or so, but I already saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose, especially the way he was attacking in certain spaces. 'I think mentally, and understanding what he needs to do, it will be 100 per cent or more because he's so willing and so confident that he can deliver straight away. I have no doubt that he will be in a really good place.' Arteta's only other chance to give Gyokeres a start before the Premier League season begins will be against Athletic Club on Saturday, August 9. Then, Arsenal will be just over a week away from kicking off their campaign away to Manchester United on Sunday, August 17. () Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Sky: Newcastle agree personal terms with Milan defender Thiaw
Newcastle United have agreed personal terms with Milan defender Malick Thiaw, amid rumours the German centre-back could be leaving the Rossoneri this summer. According to what has been reported by Sky journalist Patrick Berger on X, Newcastle have agreed terms on a four-year-deal with the former Schalke man, whilst Bayer Leverkusen also remain keen on the defender. MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 05: Malick Thiaw of AC Milan controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Real Madrid C.F. and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by) However, Berger suggests Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri does not want the player to leave this summer, as he sees a potential future for the German in a 3-man defence. What next for Thiaw amid Newcastle interest? At the start of the summer, it looked apparent that Thiaw was on the transfer list for Milan. However, Allegri has reportedly been convinced by the 23-year-old in pre-season so far and having additional options at centre-back may be vital for the way the former Juventus coach wishes to run things in Lombardy. MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Zepiqueno Redmond of Feyenoord is challenged by Malick Thiaw of AC Milan during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) Newcastle reportedly made a €30 million offer for Thiaw and talks between the two clubs continue but the Rossoneri are in a position to demand a large fee for the defender.
