The MotoGP paddock has descended on the Adriatic coast for the Grand Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, set to electrify Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli from September 6-8. Buoyed by his mesmerizing Aragon victory, Marc Marquez carried that momentum into Friday practice, finishing second to championship leader Francesco Bagnaia. With qualifying looming and the title battle reaching fever pitch, we analyze the favorites, the dark horses, and the smart money ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
After reading, check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.
In addition to traditional sports betting on MotoGP, the San Marino GP has Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Real Money Gaming available in a Pick’Em style on Underdog. Although “fantasy games” might seem misleading, DFS is a significant and growing category within legal sports wagering. MotoGP fans are allowed to legally make better/worse picks with real money gaming in 30 states, including California, Texas & Wisconsin where traditional sports betting is currently illegal.
The Misano action kicks off on Friday, September 6 with two free practice sessions. Saturday, September 7 features a final practice outing before the crucial qualifying head-to-head. Q1 begins at 10:50 local time (1:50 a.m. PST / 4:50 a.m. EST), with the top two riders advancing to Q2 at 11:15 local time to decide the grid. The 27-lap San Marino Grand Prix roars to life on Sunday, September 8 at 14:00 local time (5:00 a.m. PST / 8:00 a.m. EST).
For the complete schedule and updates, be sure to visit the official MotoGP website.
To catch every thrilling moment of the San Marino Grand Prix as it unfolds, check out MAX for live coverage, ensuring you don’t miss a single second of the drama. For the latest odds and previous results, be sure to check NXTbets.
Odds Subject to Change
Please note, the odds provided herein reflect the raw probability odds for this analysis and are based on the information available at the time of publishing. Different sportsbooks may adjust these odds based on market conditions, bettor behaviors, and other factors that could influence the betting landscape. For a deeper understanding of why odds for alternative sports betting change and how it might affect your betting strategy, we encourage you to read our detailed article:Why Do Alternative Sports Betting Odds Change?. Make informed decisions and always check the latest odds with your sportsbook before placing bets.
Best Bets and Picks for the MotoGP San Marino GP
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Francesco Bagnaia
+100
$40.00
Marc Marquez
+250
$70.00
Jorge Martin
+250
$70.00
Francesco Bagnaia (+100): Championship leader Bagnaia threw down the gauntlet on Friday, topping the timesheets with a scorching 1:30.685 – nearly two tenths clear of the chasing pack. The Italian is determined to bounce back from his Aragon disappointment and reassert his title credentials at a venue he relishes. Bagnaia took dominant wins here in 2023 and 2021. He’s the bookies’ favorite for pole and victory.
Marc Marquez (+250): Marquez’s spectacular revival showed no signs of slowing at Misano. The eight-time world champion left it late to vault into second on the combined practice standings, just 0.185s behind Bagnaia. Marquez boasts a stellar record at Misano with three premier class wins, including that unforgettable comeback triumph in 2021. If he carries this pace into qualifying, a 66th career pole is very much in play.
Jorge Martin (+250): Points leader Martin completed a Ducati lockout of the top three on Friday, lapping within 0.281s of Bagnaia. The Pramac prodigy has been stellar on Saturdays with a series-leading four poles this season. He’ll be gunning for number five to put himself in prime position to extend his championship advantage. Martin is overdue a maiden MotoGP win at Misano.
Outsider Bets
Driver
Podium
$20 Payout
Enea Bastianini
+650
$150.00
Pedro Acosta
+2000
$420.00
Franco Morbidelli
+4000
$820.00
Enea Bastianini (+650): Dutiful wingman Bastianini flew somewhat under the radar in fifth on Friday while much attention focused on his world champion teammate. But ‘The Beast’ quietly got through a mountain of work, and his race pace was extremely encouraging. Bastianini memorably defeated Bagnaia in a last-lap duel here in 2020. With three podiums in the last five races, he could be poised to pounce.
Franco Morbidelli (+4000): Home favorite Morbidelli sprang one of the surprises of Friday, finishing a superb fourth, just 0.001s behind teammate Martin. The experienced Italian has always enjoyed Misano – he won here in Moto2, scored a MotoGP podium in 2020, and qualified on the front row last year. If Morbidelli can replicate his one-lap speed on Saturday, he could be an intriguing podium outsider.
Pedro Acosta (+2000): Rookie sensation Acosta was in the mix again on Friday, finishing sixth quickest despite a tumble at Turn 8. The reigning Moto2 champion has been a revelation in his debut MotoGP campaign, with three podium finishes already. Acosta’s teammate Augusto Fernandez won here last year in Moto2. With KTM’s recent resurgence, Acosta could spring a surprise on Sunday.
Expert Pick for MotoGP San Marino
Our expert pick for the San Marino Grand Prix is Marc Marquez. His resurgence in Aragon, coupled with a strong showing in Friday practice at Misano, suggests he’s hit his stride with the Ducati. Marquez’s ability to perform in challenging conditions could be crucial at Misano’s abrasive track. With renewed confidence and at odds of +250, he offers an appealing combination of winning potential and value, making him our top choice for victory this weekend.
Where to Bet on the 2024 MotoGP San Marino GP
Visit our partner sportsbooksto access special deals that will elevate your betting experience as you anticipate the upcoming San Marino GP. If you’re a newbie in the world of MotoGP betting, our comprehensive MotoGP Betting Guide is a must-read. Remember to enjoy the race and make your betting choices wisely. Betting responsibly ensures the fun lasts all season long.
The San Marino GP is shaping up to be a season-defining event, with championship implications and potential for upset victories. As the riders gear up for battle at Misano, savvy fans and bettors alike have plenty to watch for. Don’t miss a moment of the action – this could be the race that reshapes the 2024 MotoGP landscape.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
David Alonso set the quickest time in Moto2 practice at the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), posting an all-time COTA lap record of 2:05.847 in Friday afternoon running. Alonso’s lap aboard his CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires was the only time in the 2:05s and shaved roughly 1.508 seconds off the previous COTA benchmark of 2:07.355 set in 2025.
Manuel Gonzalez was second in that session with a 2:06.341 (he suffered a crash), Barry Baltus third with a 2:06.453, followed by Filip Salac (4th), Senna Agius (5th), Tony Arbolino (6th), Ivan Ortola (7th), Celestino Vietti (8th), Izan Guevara (9th) and Joe Roberts (10th, 2:06.853).
Earlier and later practice sessions showed similarly tight margins. Celestino Vietti topped FP1 with a 2:06.724 on an HDR SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro, with David Alonso second (2:06.779) and Tony Arbolino third (2:06.863); the gap between first and second in FP1 was just 0.055 seconds. Tony Arbolino then led FP2 with a 2:06.159 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex, Senna Agius was second in FP2 with a 2:06.369 on a Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex and Alonso Lopez third with a 2:06.402 on an Italjet Gresini Moto2. Across sessions, multiple front-running teams ran Kalex chassis on Pirelli tires, and the practice times provided a snapshot of early pace for the weekend.
Marc Márquez’s stay at Ducati has shifted from likely to near-certain after his dominant 2025 season and subsequent reporting. He finished 2025 with 11 Grand Prix wins, 15 Sprint wins, eight poles, and 15 podiums, securing the world title with rounds to spare. Multiple outlets and Ducati’s presentation in Madonna di Campiglio have pushed the odds of a two-year extension to roughly 90 percent, with team and paddock comments saying Ducati aims to formalize the deal before the 2026 season, preferably after the Sepang tests in Kuala Lumpur. However, a small chance remains that he could stay with Honda.
Márquez himself has described a “9 out of 10” chance of renewal, and said he would not veto a teammate, before stating that staying with Ducati is his first option for 2027. He signalled he may delay a final decision while weighing professional and personal considerations, and confirmed that any move would be for two years. The “Ant of Cervera” noted that manufacturers are increasingly shaping rider placements, and said he is targeting a return to full fitness after the right-shoulder injury that ended his 2025 campaign.
Ducati’s push to lock Márquez in is already affecting its current lineup. Francesco Bagnaia, who struggled in 2025 and finished fifth in the standings, is under pressure, with reports suggesting a likely salary cut. It is also rumored that he’s considering offers from Honda or Yamaha if Ducati changes its pairing. The factory is publicly evaluating candidates for the other 2027 seat, with Pedro Acosta frequently named as the frontrunner. Acosta has been described as “very keen” to join Ducati, and the factory is said to reciprocate. Claims that Acosta has already been signed for 2027 circulated after comments from Massimo Rivola, and outlets have also mentioned Nicolò Bulega as a conditional option should he succeed in World Superbike. An Acosta arrival would reshape Ducati’s long-term pairing and could create the manufacturer’s first all-Spanish lineup, as the team balances sporting needs and commercial pressures while defending the title.
Those Ducati decisions are reverberating across the MotoGP market. Pundits and teams view Márquez’s signature as a pivotal trigger for a domino effect that could reconfigure seats involving riders such as Fabio Quartararo, Joan Mir, and Maverick Viñales. Marco Bezzecchi is widely expected to remain at Aprilia. Honda, having lost the prospect of Márquez’s return, is reported to be preparing an aggressive recruitment response described in the paddock as a “big, fat chequebook.” The Japanese outfit is said to be targeting names such as Pedro Acosta and David Alonso and, if necessary, promoting talent like Diogo Moreira from within. Journalists are also discussing retention or reshuffle possibilities for riders, including Luca Marini and Johann Zarco. With most top contracts expiring at the end of 2026 and new technical regulations due in 2027, teams and manufacturers are moving quickly; several commentators expect the two or three most sought-after 2027 deals to be settled well before the season opener in Buriram, setting the stage for an active silly season ahead of the 2026 season.
Fabio Quartararo stepped up his criticism of Yamaha’s V4 after the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, saying “I’m not stupid; I know how to ride a bike” and that he has lost his “love for riding.” He said he was no longer having “fun” as the Yamaha M1 struggled in cornering, and he described persistent problems with grip and power that left him uncomfortable braking, entering corners, cornering and accelerating. Quartararo qualified 17th, was eliminated in Q1 for the third time in four races, and finished 14th, nearly 30 seconds behind race winner Alex Márquez. He was the only Yamaha full-time rider to score points at Jerez; teammates Alex Rins finished 16th, Jack Miller 18th, and new signing Toprak Razgatlioglu 19th.
Quartararo warned that fixing one issue often seemed to expose another, and he and Razgatlioglu both singled out a “huge” engine-braking problem that undermines performance and confidence. Yamaha brought new items to Jerez but made little measurable progress according to reports, and team representative Massimo Meregalli said the factory used a slightly modified engine at the weekend while the overall design remained unchanged. Razgatlioglu said he did not enjoy riding the M1 at Jerez, crashed out of the Sprint and received a long-lap penalty after an incident, but he said he was “giving everything” and expected a bigger step when new bikes arrive in 2027.
Yamaha used Monday’s post-race test in Jerez to evaluate chassis, aerodynamic and electronic developments for the V4, and Quartararo said he “finds something” in the work. He emerged seventh fastest in the session, 0.495 seconds off the top time, and reported improved front-end feeling and a positive effect from a new aerodynamic element. Quartararo described the gains as incremental rather than a major breakthrough and said more development will be needed to return to podium contention. Yamaha sits fifth in the constructors’ championship on 14 points, 25 points behind Honda, and Quartararo’s outspoken comments increased pressure on the factory to deliver clearer solutions rather than incremental changes that do not address riders’ core complaints.
Monster Energy Yamaha officially unveiled its 2026 M1 and team livery at a factory presentation in Jakarta on Jan. 21, 2026, streaming the launch live. The new livery keeps Yamaha’s blue-and-black identity but shifts to a predominantly black design with Yamaha blue and added white accents, including more blue around the front fairing. Most notably, the factory revealed a modern-era V4-powered M1, ending Yamaha’s inline-four era that began with MotoGP’s four-stroke regulations in 2002; the V4 project began roughly two years ago, and the motor and chassis took more than a year of development. A V4 prototype ran late in 2025 in wildcard outings for test rider Augusto Fernández, who scored a point at Misano and appeared at Sepang and Valencia.
Yamaha and team officials presented the V4 as a technical reset intended to restore competitiveness, saying the new package should bring a return of “full” engine power and significant changes to handling and performance. They tempered immediate expectations, indicating the V4 represents a longer-term development direction whose full payoff may arrive over the coming seasons rather than instantly in 2026. Under the 2026 regulations, Yamaha sits in the most generous concession rank (D), giving it greater testing and development opportunities during the season. The factory plans to use the advantage with scheduled on-track checks at Sepang involving Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins alongside Pramac riders Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.
The launch was framed around both technical ambition and urgent sporting needs. Yamaha has not won a premier-class race since mid-2022 and slipped toward the bottom of the manufacturers’ standings, prompting the change. Fabio Quartararo, retained for 2026, ended 2025 ninth with 201 points, including five poles, and Yamaha’s first podium in two years at Jerez. The Frenchman has stressed the need for a faster, more consistent package able to deliver regular top-3 and top-5 results after a string of setbacks, including a ride-height failure at Silverstone. Alex Rins, also kept by the factory, arrives after a difficult run through 2024–25. He finished 19th last year with a season-best seventh at Phillip Island, a far cry from his career best, which includes six MotoGP wins. Among them were the final inline-four premier-class victory (Valencia 2022) as well as a V4 win for Honda at COTA in 2023. With Quartararo’s contract situation and other rider options being discussed publicly, Yamaha positions 2026 as a development year for the V4 M1 aimed at rebuilding pace and reliability before a full return to consistent front-running results.
Best Bets: MotoGP San Marino GP 2024 Pre-Event Odds Analysis
The MotoGP paddock has descended on the Adriatic coast for the Grand Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, set to electrify Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli from September 6-8. Buoyed by his mesmerizing Aragon victory, Marc Marquez carried that momentum into Friday practice, finishing second to championship leader Francesco Bagnaia. With qualifying looming and the title battle reaching fever pitch, we analyze the favorites, the dark horses, and the smart money ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
After reading, check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.
In addition to traditional sports betting on MotoGP, the San Marino GP has Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Real Money Gaming available in a Pick’Em style on Underdog. Although “fantasy games” might seem misleading, DFS is a significant and growing category within legal sports wagering. MotoGP fans are allowed to legally make better/worse picks with real money gaming in 30 states, including California, Texas & Wisconsin where traditional sports betting is currently illegal.
Schedule and How to Watch MotoGP San Marino GP
The Misano action kicks off on Friday, September 6 with two free practice sessions. Saturday, September 7 features a final practice outing before the crucial qualifying head-to-head. Q1 begins at 10:50 local time (1:50 a.m. PST / 4:50 a.m. EST), with the top two riders advancing to Q2 at 11:15 local time to decide the grid. The 27-lap San Marino Grand Prix roars to life on Sunday, September 8 at 14:00 local time (5:00 a.m. PST / 8:00 a.m. EST).
For the complete schedule and updates, be sure to visit the official MotoGP website.
To catch every thrilling moment of the San Marino Grand Prix as it unfolds, check out MAX for live coverage, ensuring you don’t miss a single second of the drama. For the latest odds and previous results, be sure to check NXTbets.
Odds Subject to Change
Please note, the odds provided herein reflect the raw probability odds for this analysis and are based on the information available at the time of publishing. Different sportsbooks may adjust these odds based on market conditions, bettor behaviors, and other factors that could influence the betting landscape. For a deeper understanding of why odds for alternative sports betting change and how it might affect your betting strategy, we encourage you to read our detailed article: Why Do Alternative Sports Betting Odds Change?. Make informed decisions and always check the latest odds with your sportsbook before placing bets.
Best Bets and Picks for the MotoGP San Marino GP
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Francesco Bagnaia
+100
$40.00
Marc Marquez
+250
$70.00
Jorge Martin
+250
$70.00
Francesco Bagnaia (+100): Championship leader Bagnaia threw down the gauntlet on Friday, topping the timesheets with a scorching 1:30.685 – nearly two tenths clear of the chasing pack. The Italian is determined to bounce back from his Aragon disappointment and reassert his title credentials at a venue he relishes. Bagnaia took dominant wins here in 2023 and 2021. He’s the bookies’ favorite for pole and victory.
Marc Marquez (+250): Marquez’s spectacular revival showed no signs of slowing at Misano. The eight-time world champion left it late to vault into second on the combined practice standings, just 0.185s behind Bagnaia. Marquez boasts a stellar record at Misano with three premier class wins, including that unforgettable comeback triumph in 2021. If he carries this pace into qualifying, a 66th career pole is very much in play.
Jorge Martin (+250): Points leader Martin completed a Ducati lockout of the top three on Friday, lapping within 0.281s of Bagnaia. The Pramac prodigy has been stellar on Saturdays with a series-leading four poles this season. He’ll be gunning for number five to put himself in prime position to extend his championship advantage. Martin is overdue a maiden MotoGP win at Misano.
Outsider Bets
Driver
Podium
$20 Payout
Enea Bastianini
+650
$150.00
Pedro Acosta
+2000
$420.00
Franco Morbidelli
+4000
$820.00
Enea Bastianini (+650): Dutiful wingman Bastianini flew somewhat under the radar in fifth on Friday while much attention focused on his world champion teammate. But ‘The Beast’ quietly got through a mountain of work, and his race pace was extremely encouraging. Bastianini memorably defeated Bagnaia in a last-lap duel here in 2020. With three podiums in the last five races, he could be poised to pounce.
Franco Morbidelli (+4000): Home favorite Morbidelli sprang one of the surprises of Friday, finishing a superb fourth, just 0.001s behind teammate Martin. The experienced Italian has always enjoyed Misano – he won here in Moto2, scored a MotoGP podium in 2020, and qualified on the front row last year. If Morbidelli can replicate his one-lap speed on Saturday, he could be an intriguing podium outsider.
Pedro Acosta (+2000): Rookie sensation Acosta was in the mix again on Friday, finishing sixth quickest despite a tumble at Turn 8. The reigning Moto2 champion has been a revelation in his debut MotoGP campaign, with three podium finishes already. Acosta’s teammate Augusto Fernandez won here last year in Moto2. With KTM’s recent resurgence, Acosta could spring a surprise on Sunday.
Expert Pick for MotoGP San Marino
Our expert pick for the San Marino Grand Prix is Marc Marquez. His resurgence in Aragon, coupled with a strong showing in Friday practice at Misano, suggests he’s hit his stride with the Ducati. Marquez’s ability to perform in challenging conditions could be crucial at Misano’s abrasive track. With renewed confidence and at odds of +250, he offers an appealing combination of winning potential and value, making him our top choice for victory this weekend.
Where to Bet on the 2024 MotoGP San Marino GP
Visit our partner sportsbooks to access special deals that will elevate your betting experience as you anticipate the upcoming San Marino GP. If you’re a newbie in the world of MotoGP betting, our comprehensive MotoGP Betting Guide is a must-read. Remember to enjoy the race and make your betting choices wisely. Betting responsibly ensures the fun lasts all season long.
The San Marino GP is shaping up to be a season-defining event, with championship implications and potential for upset victories. As the riders gear up for battle at Misano, savvy fans and bettors alike have plenty to watch for. Don’t miss a moment of the action – this could be the race that reshapes the 2024 MotoGP landscape.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related Posts
David Alonso breaks COTA Moto2 lap record with 2:05.847
David Alonso set the quickest time in Moto2 practice at the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), posting an all-time COTA lap record of 2:05.847 in Friday afternoon running. Alonso’s lap aboard his CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires was the only time in the 2:05s and shaved roughly 1.508 seconds off the previous COTA benchmark of 2:07.355 set in 2025.
Manuel Gonzalez was second in that session with a 2:06.341 (he suffered a crash), Barry Baltus third with a 2:06.453, followed by Filip Salac (4th), Senna Agius (5th), Tony Arbolino (6th), Ivan Ortola (7th), Celestino Vietti (8th), Izan Guevara (9th) and Joe Roberts (10th, 2:06.853).
Earlier and later practice sessions showed similarly tight margins. Celestino Vietti topped FP1 with a 2:06.724 on an HDR SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro, with David Alonso second (2:06.779) and Tony Arbolino third (2:06.863); the gap between first and second in FP1 was just 0.055 seconds. Tony Arbolino then led FP2 with a 2:06.159 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex, Senna Agius was second in FP2 with a 2:06.369 on a Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex and Alonso Lopez third with a 2:06.402 on an Italjet Gresini Moto2. Across sessions, multiple front-running teams ran Kalex chassis on Pirelli tires, and the practice times provided a snapshot of early pace for the weekend.
Marc Márquez Nears Two-Year Renewal With Ducati After 2025 Title
Marc Márquez’s stay at Ducati has shifted from likely to near-certain after his dominant 2025 season and subsequent reporting. He finished 2025 with 11 Grand Prix wins, 15 Sprint wins, eight poles, and 15 podiums, securing the world title with rounds to spare. Multiple outlets and Ducati’s presentation in Madonna di Campiglio have pushed the odds of a two-year extension to roughly 90 percent, with team and paddock comments saying Ducati aims to formalize the deal before the 2026 season, preferably after the Sepang tests in Kuala Lumpur. However, a small chance remains that he could stay with Honda.
Márquez himself has described a “9 out of 10” chance of renewal, and said he would not veto a teammate, before stating that staying with Ducati is his first option for 2027. He signalled he may delay a final decision while weighing professional and personal considerations, and confirmed that any move would be for two years. The “Ant of Cervera” noted that manufacturers are increasingly shaping rider placements, and said he is targeting a return to full fitness after the right-shoulder injury that ended his 2025 campaign.
Ducati’s push to lock Márquez in is already affecting its current lineup. Francesco Bagnaia, who struggled in 2025 and finished fifth in the standings, is under pressure, with reports suggesting a likely salary cut. It is also rumored that he’s considering offers from Honda or Yamaha if Ducati changes its pairing. The factory is publicly evaluating candidates for the other 2027 seat, with Pedro Acosta frequently named as the frontrunner. Acosta has been described as “very keen” to join Ducati, and the factory is said to reciprocate. Claims that Acosta has already been signed for 2027 circulated after comments from Massimo Rivola, and outlets have also mentioned Nicolò Bulega as a conditional option should he succeed in World Superbike. An Acosta arrival would reshape Ducati’s long-term pairing and could create the manufacturer’s first all-Spanish lineup, as the team balances sporting needs and commercial pressures while defending the title.
Those Ducati decisions are reverberating across the MotoGP market. Pundits and teams view Márquez’s signature as a pivotal trigger for a domino effect that could reconfigure seats involving riders such as Fabio Quartararo, Joan Mir, and Maverick Viñales. Marco Bezzecchi is widely expected to remain at Aprilia. Honda, having lost the prospect of Márquez’s return, is reported to be preparing an aggressive recruitment response described in the paddock as a “big, fat chequebook.” The Japanese outfit is said to be targeting names such as Pedro Acosta and David Alonso and, if necessary, promoting talent like Diogo Moreira from within. Journalists are also discussing retention or reshuffle possibilities for riders, including Luca Marini and Johann Zarco. With most top contracts expiring at the end of 2026 and new technical regulations due in 2027, teams and manufacturers are moving quickly; several commentators expect the two or three most sought-after 2027 deals to be settled well before the season opener in Buriram, setting the stage for an active silly season ahead of the 2026 season.
Quartararo Criticizes Yamaha V4 After Jerez
Fabio Quartararo stepped up his criticism of Yamaha’s V4 after the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, saying “I’m not stupid; I know how to ride a bike” and that he has lost his “love for riding.” He said he was no longer having “fun” as the Yamaha M1 struggled in cornering, and he described persistent problems with grip and power that left him uncomfortable braking, entering corners, cornering and accelerating. Quartararo qualified 17th, was eliminated in Q1 for the third time in four races, and finished 14th, nearly 30 seconds behind race winner Alex Márquez. He was the only Yamaha full-time rider to score points at Jerez; teammates Alex Rins finished 16th, Jack Miller 18th, and new signing Toprak Razgatlioglu 19th.
Quartararo warned that fixing one issue often seemed to expose another, and he and Razgatlioglu both singled out a “huge” engine-braking problem that undermines performance and confidence. Yamaha brought new items to Jerez but made little measurable progress according to reports, and team representative Massimo Meregalli said the factory used a slightly modified engine at the weekend while the overall design remained unchanged. Razgatlioglu said he did not enjoy riding the M1 at Jerez, crashed out of the Sprint and received a long-lap penalty after an incident, but he said he was “giving everything” and expected a bigger step when new bikes arrive in 2027.
Yamaha used Monday’s post-race test in Jerez to evaluate chassis, aerodynamic and electronic developments for the V4, and Quartararo said he “finds something” in the work. He emerged seventh fastest in the session, 0.495 seconds off the top time, and reported improved front-end feeling and a positive effect from a new aerodynamic element. Quartararo described the gains as incremental rather than a major breakthrough and said more development will be needed to return to podium contention. Yamaha sits fifth in the constructors’ championship on 14 points, 25 points behind Honda, and Quartararo’s outspoken comments increased pressure on the factory to deliver clearer solutions rather than incremental changes that do not address riders’ core complaints.
Yamaha Unveils V4 M1 in Jakarta, Starts Technical Reset
Monster Energy Yamaha officially unveiled its 2026 M1 and team livery at a factory presentation in Jakarta on Jan. 21, 2026, streaming the launch live. The new livery keeps Yamaha’s blue-and-black identity but shifts to a predominantly black design with Yamaha blue and added white accents, including more blue around the front fairing. Most notably, the factory revealed a modern-era V4-powered M1, ending Yamaha’s inline-four era that began with MotoGP’s four-stroke regulations in 2002; the V4 project began roughly two years ago, and the motor and chassis took more than a year of development. A V4 prototype ran late in 2025 in wildcard outings for test rider Augusto Fernández, who scored a point at Misano and appeared at Sepang and Valencia.
Yamaha and team officials presented the V4 as a technical reset intended to restore competitiveness, saying the new package should bring a return of “full” engine power and significant changes to handling and performance. They tempered immediate expectations, indicating the V4 represents a longer-term development direction whose full payoff may arrive over the coming seasons rather than instantly in 2026. Under the 2026 regulations, Yamaha sits in the most generous concession rank (D), giving it greater testing and development opportunities during the season. The factory plans to use the advantage with scheduled on-track checks at Sepang involving Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins alongside Pramac riders Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.
The launch was framed around both technical ambition and urgent sporting needs. Yamaha has not won a premier-class race since mid-2022 and slipped toward the bottom of the manufacturers’ standings, prompting the change. Fabio Quartararo, retained for 2026, ended 2025 ninth with 201 points, including five poles, and Yamaha’s first podium in two years at Jerez. The Frenchman has stressed the need for a faster, more consistent package able to deliver regular top-3 and top-5 results after a string of setbacks, including a ride-height failure at Silverstone. Alex Rins, also kept by the factory, arrives after a difficult run through 2024–25. He finished 19th last year with a season-best seventh at Phillip Island, a far cry from his career best, which includes six MotoGP wins. Among them were the final inline-four premier-class victory (Valencia 2022) as well as a V4 win for Honda at COTA in 2023. With Quartararo’s contract situation and other rider options being discussed publicly, Yamaha positions 2026 as a development year for the V4 M1 aimed at rebuilding pace and reliability before a full return to consistent front-running results.