Yamaha Debuts Upgraded Inline4 Engine, Targets Le Mans Homologation

Yamaha’s inline-four revival: Quartararo and Rins validate speed boost ahead of crucial Le Mans homologation.

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Yamaha took a significant step forward in its MotoGP development program during Monday’s post-race test at Jerez, debuting an upgraded inline-four engine that delivered immediate performance gains. The new power unit, which boosted top speed by 2 km/h while maintaining the YZR-M1’s renowned handling, is set to be homologated for the upcoming French Grand Prix at Le Mans. 

Quartararo, fresh from his first podium in two years during Sunday’s Spanish GP, posted the third-fastest test time (1:36.353) while evaluating the engine’s performance. “We gained agility without sacrificing power,” the Frenchman reported, according to Crash.net. “The straight here is short, but the feeling was good. We’ll need Le Mans’ longer straight to fully understand its potential.”

Team Director Massimo Meregalli revealed the upgraded inline-four will become Yamaha’s third homologated engine this season.”We know that the updated engine has a bit more power while the character of the bike is still the same, so it’s just an advantage,” he stated. “We are convinced that this engine is better.”

Alex Rins delivered perhaps the most impressive performance, improving by half a second despite nursing injuries from Saturday’s crash. “We tried a new engine – a nice one! It’s more powerful,” Rins smiled. “We are working on the top speed because that was missing a little bit for us, and we clearly improved. 

While Yamaha continues parallel development of its much-discussed V4 prototype, the decision to refine its current platform demonstrates a pragmatic approach to closing the gap to Ducati and KTM. The upgrades arrive at an ideal moment as the championship heads to Le Mans – a circuit where Quartararo will relish extra straight-line speed on the legendary 1.1 km back straight. 

As the paddock prepares for Round 6, Yamaha’s Jerez test results suggest the sleeping giant of MotoGP may finally be awakening. With Quartararo’s confidence restored and tangible technical progress, the French GP could mark Yamaha’s true return to championship contention.  

The factory will now analyse data before finalising its Le Mans package, where all eyes will be on whether these test gains translate into race-winning performance at one of MotoGP’s most historic venues.