Jorge Martín signs with Yamaha

The Spanish MotoGP rider Jorge Martín will ride for the official Yamaha team in 2027 and 2028, his third time in the premier class, after Aprilia announced his departure once the 2026 season ends, and will have the Japanese Ai Ogura in the box next to him, according to a statement.

“Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura have signed for the official Yamaha MotoGP team for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons,” announced the Iwata brand.

‘Martinator’ chooses Yamaha to continue his career in 2027, when the World Championship enters a new technical era. Aprilia, San Sebastián de los Reyes’ team for the last two years, announced last week the arrival of the Italian ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia from the official Ducati team and, indirectly, the departure of the world champion in 2024.

“Yamaha continues to lay the foundations for its long-term project by combining proven experience in winning championships with one of the most promising emerging talents in this sport,” highlighted the Japanese brand.

Thus, Martín arrives at Yamaha at the age of 28 and after two years at Aprilia and, especially 2025, was marked by tension, due to months of disagreement over the interpretation of a contractual clause that, according to the world champion in 2024, allowed him to leave the project early, after a start to 2025 marked by injuries. The Italians defended the validity of their contract at all times, which led to a conflict that was even public.

Now, Jorge Martín, after a 2025 in which he barely competed in seven Grand Prix due to falls and injuries, and as the current leader of the World Championship, joins Yamaha as “one of the reference riders.” Yamaha signs a rider with 8 wins on Sundays in the premier class, “consolidated thanks to his exceptional speed, his determination and his ability to compete consistently at the highest level,” according to the statement.

After the departures of the Frenchman Fabio Quartararo and the Spanish Alex Rins, Martín will share a team with Ai Ogura, “one of the most promising young drivers in the championship.” “Together, Martín and Ogura form a pair of riders with two complementary profiles, ideal to support Yamaha’s competitive ambitions as the championship enters its next era,” highlighted the Japanese brand.

“We are delighted to welcome Jorge and Ai to the official Yamaha MotoGP team as we enter a new era in 2027. Having riders of this caliber underlines our ambition and confidence in the project,” said Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing.

Pavesio defended that Martín “has already proven to be one of the reference riders in MotoGP, with the speed, determination and mentality necessary to fight for victories and World Championships.” “We expect him to play a key role in driving our performance from day one,” he added.

“Ai’s progression over the last season and a half has been exceptional. His talent, work ethic and potential make us confident that he can become one of the best riders in the championship. At the same time, we are especially proud to welcome a Japanese rider to the official Yamaha team,” he concluded.