Yamaha To Supply Moto3 Race Bikes Starting With 2028 Season
New prototypes to be powered by CP2-derived engines
Yamaha and MotoGP have reached an agreement that will see the Japanese manufacturer be the sole motorcycle supplier for the Moto3 World Championship, starting with the 2028 season. We can expect the new prototype will be revealed in 2027.
The Moto3 series is currently open to any engine and chassis manufacturer, with a restriction to 250cc Singles. The new six-year contract will turn Moto3 into a single-make series running Yamaha-produced prototypes powered by a Twin based on the 689cc CP2 engine currently in use on various models including the R7.
The new prototype is under development, with the goal of providing a superior power-to-weight ratio compared to the current machines, with a physical size closer to the larger Moto2 and MotoGP classes. The idea is the larger race bikes will better prepare riders or moving up to the higher classes. A single-make class should also help reduce costs for the Moto3 class.
Triumph is the current engine supplier for the Moto2 class, providing race-tuned 765cc Triples. For those keeping tabs, that contract is due to expire after the 2029 season. It'll be curious to see if the Moto2 class will also switch to a spec motorcycle series for 2030 and beyond. At the moment, Triumph's engine fits almost perfectly between MotoGP's new 850cc displacement and Yamaha's 689cc CP2 engine (assuming the engine remains at that displacement, of course), but a lot can change in the next few years.
Begin Press Release:
Yamaha and MotoGP announce new Moto3 project for the next generation of Grand Prix racing
Yamaha and MotoGP unite behind a new vision for accessible, global and talent-driven racing.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and MotoGP today announced a new long-term project that will see Yamaha become the exclusive motorcycle supplier for the FIM Moto3™ World Championship from 2028 to 2033.
Presented during a joint press conference at the Dutch GP in Assen, the initiative represents one of the most significant developments in Grand Prix motorcycle racing in recent years and reflects a shared commitment between Yamaha and MotoGP to strengthen the pathway for future generations of riders.
Designed around the principles of accessibility, sporting integrity, technical excellence and long-term vision, the new project aims to ensure that talent remains the defining factor in rider development while maintaining the highest standards of competition.
The motorcycle itself will be unveiled at a later stage, with Yamaha and MotoGP confirming a progressive communication programme leading up to the first public appearance of the bike in 2027.
At the heart of the project is a new racing prototype developed by Yamaha, based on its proven CP2 production platform and extensively re-engineered for Grand Prix competition. The ultimate objective is to achieve a superior power-to-weight ratio compared with the current Moto3 machines, while introducing a full-size motorcycle better suited to the physical characteristics and riding style of the next generation of riders.
The programme will also support the broader rider development ecosystem through activities extending beyond the FIM Moto3 World Championship. From 2029 onwards, the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship, within the MotoJunior paddock, is expected to adopt a slightly lower-specification version of the machine, while discussions are already underway with additional regional championships interested in joining the same platform.
Future milestones will include additional project updates, prototype testing activities later this year, and the official unveiling of the motorcycle in 2027.
More than a new motorcycle, the new Yamaha Moto3 represents Yamaha's and MotoGP's vision for the next generation of Grand Prix racing, and for the riders who will define its future.
The next chapter begins
PAOLO PAVESIO Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing:
"Moto3 has always represented the starting point of the Grand Prix dream. It is where future champions learn their craft, where talent first becomes visible and where the future of our sport begins.
“From the very beginning, our objective was not simply to build a motorcycle. Our objective was to create a platform capable of supporting riders, teams, and championships for many years to come. A platform that combines accessibility, engineering efficiency, and pure racing performance.
“This project brings together expertise from Yamaha Motor Co., Yamaha Motor Racing, and Yamaha Motor Europe. It is a truly global Yamaha effort and one that reflects our long-term commitment to motorcycle racing and rider development."
CARLOS EZPELETA Chief Sporting Officer, MotoGP
"We‘re really proud to unveil the future of Moto3, not just for the World Championship but also for its importance to grassroots programs globally.
"MotoGP is committed to growing the sport of motorcycling, supporting talent, and increasing accessibility in order to create the safest sport possible with the biggest audience. With this project, we are working with Yamaha to create a global platform for young riders more than simply announcing which bike they‘ll ride. We believe this change will do a lot for the sport, both outside the paddock in global terms, and here within MotoGP.
“Moto3 has a key role to play in our future. In sporting terms, it‘s most often the first professional step of racing for riders who go on to become the global superstars. For fans, it‘s an introduction to those stars of the future and a fantastic part of every Grand Prix weekend. Our structure – with three Grand Prix classes at every event, including Moto2 and Moto3 – creates a unique fan experience. Great action, pure talent, and engineering excellence are all on display from the start of a Grand Prix to the final flag.
"This new era for Moto3 is designed to deliver more of each and better position the competition as the entry level class in the MotoGP World Championship. This will be a fresh platform for talent and performance to shine."
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Hmmnnn...Liberty Media throwing the downtrodden Yamaha a bone?
Not a fan of this decision, one make series are generally pretty boring to me. Removing manufacturers from the equation leads to less interest and innovation from the manufacturers, not a good thing for the health of the industry.