Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Close Inline-Four Era with Emotional Valencia Finale

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bids farewell to the inline-four engine at the 2025 Valencian GP. Álex Rins finishes P14 while Fabio Quartararo crashes out, as the team prepares for the 2026 V4 era.

Subscribe to our Instagram Channel for instant news & updates!

The 2025 Grand Prix of the Valencian Community marked the end of an era for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP. It was the final outing for the iconic inline-four engine, and both Álex Rins and Fabio Quartararo were determined to give it a strong farewell. The long 27-lap race, however, brought mixed emotions. Rins pushed through the field to finish in P14, while Quartararo saw his effort cut short by an unfortunate late-race crash.

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP entered the race with full focus and determination. Rins began from P19 and fought through the busy mid-pack from the moment the lights went out. He engaged in an early battle with Somkiat Chantra for 18th position. When Johann Zarco served his long-lap penalty on lap 4, Rins gained ground and continued to push forward. He overtook Chantra on lap 6, and when Ai Ogura crashed a lap later, the Yamaha rider climbed to P16.

The race then settled into a steady rhythm for Rins. A gap formed in front and behind him as he worked to maintain consistent pace. Zarco passed him on lap 22, but retirements by Maverick Viñales, Quartararo, and Aleix Espargaró helped Rins secure P14 at the finish, 23.255s behind the race winner.

Quartararo started from P6 but faced trouble immediately. A clutch issue through the first few corners caused him to drop back to P11 by the end of lap one. He lost one more position to Enea Bastianini, but gained it back when Joan Mir served a long-lap penalty on lap 4. The Frenchman tried to stay close to the riders ahead but struggled to find an opening.

Mir returned to the fight and overtook him on lap 13, but Quartararo regained the spot on lap 21 as he searched for late-race pace. His progress ended abruptly on lap 24 when a sudden crash at Turn 8 forced him to retire. He walked away unharmed, but it was a frustrating end to his season.

With the final standings confirmed, Quartararo remains 9th overall with 201 points. Rins ends the year 19th with 68 points. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP finish 6th in the team championship with 269 points, while Yamaha hold 5th place in the constructor rankings with 247 points.

The team extends its appreciation to all sponsors and partners for their continued support throughout the season. Focus now shifts to the future, beginning with Tuesday’s one-day pre-season test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. All four Yamaha riders will debut the brand-new V4 engine, opening a major new chapter in Yamaha’s MotoGP program.

Massimo Meregalli – Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

“This was not the ending we hoped for as we said goodbye to the inline-four. Fabio’s start was difficult and his early pace was not what we expected. He was improving later in the race, but the crash stopped his progress. The most important thing is that he is OK ahead of the IRTA test. Rins also struggled at the start, but the fight with Chantra gave him something to enjoy in the final race. I want to thank the Yamaha engineers, staff, hospitality, crew, and our riders for their dedication. We also thank our sponsors and partners for their continuous support. Our attention now turns to 2026, which begins on Tuesday.”

Álex Rins – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider

“This last race was demanding. Managing the rear tyre was difficult, similar to Portimão. The weekend was tough, but we handled it well. We close a challenging season with a lot of personal learning and progress with the team. Now a new chapter begins. I’m excited to try the V4 on Tuesday.”

Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider

“The first corners were a nightmare because of a clutch issue. I didn’t disengage the front device until Turn 4, and I lost many positions. My pace wasn’t great, but I pushed at the end to understand the rhythm on used tyres. I was catching Bastianini little by little. I didn’t do anything unusual, but I crashed. It was a race to forget.”