The team was founded in 1999, following the retirement of Wayne Rainey, who had previously managed a factory-supported team in the 500cc class. Prior to this, Kenny Roberts and Giacomo Agostini had each run their own works-supported teams for Yamaha. Originally based in the Netherlands, the team relocated to Italy in 2002.
The team initially competed with the Yamaha YZR500 before transitioning to the Yamaha YZR-M1 in 2002. In 2007, both riders switched to the new 800cc Yamaha YZR-M1. More recently, Yamaha has been developing a V4 engine, which underwent its first private test with Andrea Dovizioso in July 2025 at the Brno Circuit. The V4 engine is scheduled for a full debut in 2026, to be used by all four Yamaha bikes – the factory team and Pramac Racing. [unverified]
The early years of the team saw Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa as riders from 1999 to 2002, with Biaggi achieving 8 race wins during this period. In 2003, Checa was joined by Marco Melandri. A significant turning point came in 2004 with the arrival of Valentino Rossi, partnering with Checa. Rossi secured 9 wins and the championship that year.
Colin Edwards joined Rossi in 2005, and Rossi again won the championship, collecting 11 wins. The pair continued together in 2006, with Rossi earning 5 wins and finishing second in the championship. For 2007, both riders remained with the team.
A unique line-up occurred in 2008 when Jorge Lorenzo joined Rossi. Despite using different tyre manufacturers (Rossi on Bridgestone, Lorenzo on Michelin), Yamaha operated as a unified team. Rossi dominated the season, winning 9 of 18 races and finishing on the podium in all but two. Lorenzo achieved his first victory at Estoril and finished fourth overall. Yamaha continued its dominance in 2009, with Rossi winning the title and Lorenzo finishing second, winning 12 of 17 races and securing the Constructors' Championship.
Rossi left Yamaha for Ducati after the 2010 season, returning to Yamaha for the 2013 MotoGP season. He was later joined by Lorenzo, and together they won the 2015 Championship. Following this, the team secured another world championship title with Fabio Quartararo.
The team achieved significant success with Valentino Rossi, winning championships in 2004 and 2005, and dominating in 2008 and 2009. The period after Rossi’s initial departure in 2011 saw a period of rebuilding, culminating in the championship win with Jorge Lorenzo in 2015 and later with Fabio Quartararo.
Yamaha Factory Racing remains an active team in MotoGP, currently competing as Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team. They are preparing to introduce the new V4 engine in 2026, which will be used by both the factory team and Pramac Racing. [unverified]
Yamaha Factory Racing has established itself as a prominent force in MotoGP, consistently competing at the highest level and contributing to Yamaha's success in the sport. The team’s history is marked by iconic riders and technological advancements, solidifying its place in motorcycle racing history. [unverified]