Yamaha Factory Racing Team Aiming For First Win Since 2018

On March 27, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. held the Yamaha Motorsports Media Conference 2026 at this year's 53rd Tokyo Motorcycle Show. During the event, it was announced that the Yamaha Factory Racing Team will compete in the 47th FIM Endurance World Championship "Coca-Cola" Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race set to be held on July 3-5 at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Taking the stage at the start of the event was Tadashi Nakamura, General Manager of the Motor Sports Value Creation Division, who addressed the attendees. "To mark our 70th anniversary last year, we brought back the factory team for the first time in six years. It was incredibly rewarding to feel the support from so many fans, dealerships, and employees behind us as we fought together. Everyone at Yamaha Motor thoroughly enjoyed the experience ourselves, but at the same time, we were left feeling disappointed with our second-place finish. So, this summer we're coming back with the goal of standing on the center step of the podium this time and sharing the Kando* with everyone." With this announcement, he outlined the team's goal of achieving a ninth overall win and first victory since 2018.

*Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feeling of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that people experience when they encounter something of exceptional value.

The team's YZF-R1 will showcase Yamaha Factory Racing's iconic blue, a livery designed in coordination with the YZF-R1 currently competing in the All-Japan Road Race Championship. For the 8 Hours, team uniforms will feature exclusive colors to match the YZF-R1, while the team garage will be decked out in the same distinctive color scheme.

At present, the rider lineup is still being confirmed and will feature Yamaha riders from various world championships. Further details will be announced once they are finalized.