Rephrased
Yamaha has confirmed that its factory MotoGP team will unveil its 2026 livery in Jakarta, Indonesia, with the launch set for mid-January ahead of pre-season testing.
The Japanese manufacturer is entering a new chapter in 2026 as it prepares to debut a V4-powered MotoGP bike, officially ending its long-running inline-four era. The project, first announced last year, was confirmed during the Valencia Grand Prix weekend as Yamaha shifted focus to a completely new engine concept.
The upcoming season is seen as a crucial turning point for the brand, particularly as it aims to convince 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo to extend his future with Yamaha beyond 2026. Quartararo was once again the standout Yamaha rider in 2025, securing several podiums and finishing inside the top 10 in the championship.
Quartararo and team-mate Alex Rins will reveal the new bike’s colours on 21 January at the Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing Dealer Meeting in Jakarta. Yamaha is then expected to begin on-track action later in the month at the Sepang shakedown.
Yamaha will be the only manufacturer starting the 2026 season in concession rank D, allowing unrestricted testing and freedom from an engine development freeze.
Elsewhere, Pramac Racing will kick off the launch season on 13 January in Siena, followed by VR46 Ducati on 14 January in Rome and Aprilia on 15 January in Milan. Ducati will unveil its factory team on 19 January in Madonna di Campiglio, while Gresini Racing is scheduled to launch in Kuala Lumpur on 31 January.
MotoGP will also host an official season launch event in Kuala Lumpur on 6 and 7 February, immediately after the first official test.
