Jorge Martin’s decision to join Yamaha for 2027 may look like a major gamble on paper, but Yamaha boss Paolo Pavesio believes the reigning MotoGP champion was genuinely attracted to the challenge of rebuilding the struggling manufacturer.
Yamaha turned to Martin after Fabio Quartararo confirmed he would leave the team at the end of his current contract to join Honda. With the manufacturer undergoing a major rebuild, including its switch from an inline-four engine to a V4, Yamaha wanted an established title contender to lead its new project.
According to Pavesio, Martin stood out because he showed a clear desire to become part of Yamaha’s recovery rather than simply move to an established front-running team.
“Jorge made us feel wanted,” Pavesio told Motorsport.com Italy.
“I wanted someone with whom I could be transparent about the project, but also someone who wanted to come to a company that is currently struggling in terms of performance, but is investing heavily and has a great history.”
Yamaha has endured a difficult period since Quartararo won the 2021 MotoGP title. The M1 gradually slipped down the competitive order, forcing the manufacturer to make significant changes as it looks to return to the front.
The arrival of Martin is therefore a major step in that rebuilding process.
Source: Redbull
The Spaniard won the 2024 MotoGP championship with Pramac, beating factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia to the title. After a difficult first season with Aprilia that was heavily affected by injuries, Martin has returned strongly this year and is leading the championship heading into the flyaway races in Asia and the Pacific.
From 2027, however, he will leave a manufacturer that has been a benchmark in recent seasons for one currently at the bottom of the standings.
Pavesio acknowledged that the move carries risks for both Martin and Yamaha, particularly given the difference in their current competitive levels.
“Yes, that is fair,” Pavesio said when asked if signing Martin was a gamble.
However, Yamaha believes Martin has the ability to make a difference. Pavesio pointed to his championship-winning credentials and consistency, while also suggesting that the rider has yet to reach his full potential after losing significant time to injury during his Aprilia stint.
“We believed in the rider,” Pavesio said, adding that Yamaha also benefited from having Gino Borsoi involved. The Pramac team manager knows Martin well, having worked with him throughout his MotoGP career.
Martin’s arrival will coincide with one of the biggest technical changes in MotoGP history, with the championship moving to 850cc engines and introducing new regulations in 2027.
That gives Yamaha an opportunity to reset its project, but it also means Martin will be taking on a significant challenge as he attempts to help turn around a manufacturer that is still searching for its next competitive breakthrough.
For Yamaha, the decision was not simply about replacing Quartararo. It was about finding a world champion willing to believe in the project while the manufacturer works to rebuild itself.
