Yamaha have confirmed the signings of Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura, with the pair set to form the manufacturer’s factory MotoGP line-up for the next two seasons.
The announcement, comes one day after Yamaha bid farewell to Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins. It also leaves Honda and KTM as the only manufacturers yet to officially confirm their factory rider line-ups for the 2027 season.
Key highlights
- Yamaha confirm Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura as factory MotoGP riders for the next two seasons starting in 2027.
- The announcement follows the departure of Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins from Yamaha.
- Martin currently leads the championship after leaving Assen last Sunday as the new points leader.
- Ai Ogura became the first Japanese rider in 22 years to win a MotoGP grand prix at the Dutch GP.
Yamaha welcome a new era
“We are delighted to welcome Jorge and Ai to the Yamaha factory MotoGP team as we begin a new era in 2027. Having riders of this calibre underscores our ambition and confidence in the project,” Yamaha motor racing managing director Paolo Pavesio said in a statement shared by the team.
“Jorge has already proven himself to be one of the benchmark riders in MotoGP, with the speed, determination, and mentality needed to fight for wins and world championships. We expect him to play a key role in boosting our performance from day one.
“Ai’s progress over the last season and a half has been exceptional. His talent, work ethic, and potential give us confidence 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 Yamaha factory team.”
Timing aligns with strong performances
The confirmation of Martin and Ogura comes at an ideal moment in the season.
Martin left Assen last Sunday as the new championship leader, while Ogura secured his maiden premier-class victory on the same day. With his Dutch GP win, Ogura became the first Japanese rider to win a MotoGP race since Makoto Tamada at Motegi 22 years ago.
Martin’s turnaround and Yamaha interest
For Martin, the move to Yamaha marks the end of a turbulent spell with Aprilia. His first season with the Noale manufacturer in 2025 was widely described as an annus horribilis following a series of serious injuries, which even led him to consider a possible exit from the team.
However, the 2024 MotoGP world champion has since turned his season around, returning to winning form at Le Mans, taking pole position at Assen, and climbing to the top of the championship standings. Yamaha’s management accelerated its pursuit of Martin in January after Quartararo’s move to Honda became clear.
Ogura’s rapid rise to factory seat
Ogura’s move came after Trackhouse did not move decisively to secure his future, allowing Yamaha to complete the deal within days during the Americas Grand Prix.
The #79 rider will become Yamaha’s first Japanese factory MotoGP rider despite coming through Honda’s development programme.
Honda oversaw his early progression before both parties parted ways in 2024, the same year Ogura was crowned Moto2 world champion.
Wider MotoGP rider market updates
Elsewhere in the paddock, KTM is expected to confirm that Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio will leave Gresini and VR46 respectively to join the Austrian manufacturer. Honda is also expected to confirm the signing of Quartararo at a later date.
At Pramac, Yamaha’s satellite team, Toprak Razgatlioglu is expected to partner Izan Guevara, who will step up from Paolo Campinoti’s Moto2 outfit.
