One look at the 2026-spec Yamaha M1 is enough to show that the V4 engine isn’t the only departure from the recent past.
In recent MotoGP seasons, the Iwata-based manufacturer had explored the same aerodynamic concept pioneered by Aprilia, opting for a gull-wing profile on the fairing, which in the latest versions even took on the shape of a triplane.
But the new version of the M1 unveiled in Jakarta has abandoned this three-wing concept in favour of front bodywork that appears more aligned with what could be described as traditional concepts, similar to those used by most rivals.
That change is immediately visible when comparing the bike’s front end to recent prototypes. The new front winglets closely resemble those that Ducati and KTM have used for years: just two main elements, both integrated into the fairing.
Notably, whereas the previous solution featured a wing element cantilevered away from the fairing surface, the lower profile of the new wing now connects directly to the sides of the airbox — whose overall shape has remained largely unchanged.
Alex Rins, Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Yamaha MotoGP
The rest of the bodywork appears substantially the same as that seen a little over two months ago. On the side of the fairing, a “fairing step” continues to be visible, blending directly into a slot behind it. On the lower section, there is a diffuser that is noticeably smaller in size than that seen, for example, on the Ducati GP26.
Passage to the rear of the bike also shows a solution similar to the one used at Valencia — effectively a hybrid of those used by Ducati and Aprilia. On the forward part of the tail there are two vertical fins that recall those of the Desmosedici GP, though the M1’s units are almost vertical. Just behind them sits a rear wing element with a fairly pronounced twist between its two profiles.
It is worth noting, however, that there was a clear discrepancy between the bike shown on stage in Jakarta and the images released officially by Yamaha. While the description above reflects the machine seen in the published photos, the bikes present on the actual podium appeared to have three fins per side on the tail, as can be seen in certain images.
Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Yamaha MotoGP
The M1s hit the track this week at the Sepang shakedown, scheduled for 29-31 January, where Yamaha is the only manufacturer still in Group D of MotoGP’s concessions system, allowing full testing by its main riders, albeit with tyre restrictions.
With that in mind, it won’t be long before it becomes clear which version of the rear aero package will be the most accurate reflection of the new M1 design — and perhaps whether there are additional surprises in store from the Iwata marque’s new project.
Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Yamaha
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– The Autosport.com Team
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