Yamaha Confirms Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura for Factory MotoGP Team in 2027
Yamaha has officially announced Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura as its factory riders for the 2027 MotoGP season, marking the beginning of a new chapter as the manufacturer looks to re-establish itself as a championship contender.
The announcement ends months of speculation and confirms Yamaha's long-term strategy of combining proven race-winning experience with emerging talent. Managing Director Paolo Pavesio said securing riders of Martin and Ogura's calibre reflects the team's confidence and ambition for the future.
Martin joins Yamaha after enjoying a remarkable resurgence in MotoGP. After a difficult 2025 campaign with Aprilia that was disrupted by serious injuries and uncertainty over his future, the Spaniard has bounced back in impressive fashion. Strong performances, including victory at Le Mans and pole position at Assen, have helped propel him to the top of the championship standings, reinforcing his status as one of the sport's leading riders.
Yamaha identified Martin as a priority signing after it became clear that Fabio Quartararo would leave for Honda. The manufacturer expects the current championship leader to play a key role in accelerating its return to the front of the grid.
Ogura's arrival is equally significant. The Japanese rider celebrated his first MotoGP victory at the Dutch Grand Prix on the same day Yamaha confirmed his signing, becoming the first Japanese rider to win a premier class race in 22 years.
Although Ogura rose through Honda's rider development programme and claimed the Moto2 world title in 2024, Yamaha moved quickly to secure his services after his long-term future remained uncertain. His signing not only strengthens Yamaha's rider line-up but also reunites a leading Japanese talent with the country's flagship manufacturer, a move expected to resonate with fans and sponsors alike.
Together, Martin and Ogura offer Yamaha a balanced combination of immediate competitiveness and long-term potential. Martin brings proven championship credentials and race-winning ability, while Ogura represents one of MotoGP's brightest young talents with the potential to become a future title contender.
The announcement also provides greater clarity for the 2027 rider market. Quartararo and Alex Rins are set to leave Yamaha, while KTM is expected to sign Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Honda is widely anticipated to officially unveil Quartararo in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Yamaha's satellite team Pramac is expected to field Toprak Razgatlioglu alongside Moto2 prospect Izan Guevara, completing a significant reshuffle across the manufacturer's MotoGP programme.
With its new rider pairing now confirmed, Yamaha has made its intentions clear. The Japanese manufacturer is building for both the present and the future as it aims to return to the top of MotoGP.
