A major shift is coming to the Moto3 World Championship: Yamaha has been named the exclusive bike supplier for the junior class, beginning in 2028. The news was announced at a special press conference during the Dutch MotoGP, setting the stage for a new era in entry-level Grand Prix racing.
Since 2012, Moto3 has used 250cc four-stroke engines, but from 2028 the series will transition to a Yamaha single-make class. The new machine—yet to be unveiled—will feature a highly modified R7 engine and a prototype chassis, delivering 90 horsepower and weighing just 120 kg. Yamaha promises performance that will surpass the current Moto3 bikes.
MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta emphasized the move’s significance:
“This is an important step for safety, equality of the riders, the racing, and aligning the riders towards MotoGP.”
The change is designed to close the performance gap between Moto3 and Moto2, which uses single-spec Triumph engines but allows for open chassis design. Ezpeleta also noted that the new format aims to cut Moto3 costs by 50%, making the class more accessible.
Despite supplying the engine and chassis, Yamaha says Moto3 won’t become a “Yamaha Cup.” Other manufacturers can still participate by supporting teams, much like how Yamaha, Honda, and KTM currently operate in Moto2.
The first test of the new Yamaha-powered Moto3 bike is scheduled for September or October 2026, and the initial contract will last for six years.
With this move, Moto3 is set for a major overhaul—promising closer racing, greater parity, and a smoother pathway up the Grand Prix ladder.
