When will Jorge Martin start riding for Yamaha?

He will join the factory Monster Energy Yamaha team for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons.

Who will be Jorge Martin's teammate at Yamaha?

His teammate will be Ai Ogura, creating an all-new rider line-up for the team in 2027.

Why is this move happening so far in advance?

The move aligns with the introduction of major new technical regulations in 2027, allowing both the rider and team to prepare for a new era in the sport.

What is a 'factory team' in MotoGP?

A factory team is the official racing department of a manufacturer like Yamaha. They get the newest parts, direct engineering support, and the biggest budget, as opposed to a satellite team which leases bikes.

Jorge Martin Confirmed to Join Factory Yamaha Team for 2027 Season

Current championship leader Jorge Martin has signed a two-year deal to join the factory Yamaha MotoGP team, starting from the 2027 season alongside Ai Ogura.

In a major move that sets the stage for MotoGP’s next era, current championship leader Jorge Martin has been officially confirmed as a factory Yamaha rider for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The announcement sees one of the fastest riders on the grid commit his future to a manufacturer determined to return to the top.

This is a significant piece of news, not just for the rider and team, but for the entire championship. It provides a fascinating glimpse into how teams are preparing for a massive shake-up of the sport in a few years’ time.

What has actually been announced?

Yamaha has officially signed Jorge Martin on a two-year contract, beginning in 2027. He will join the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team, which is the manufacturer’s main ‘factory’ effort. A factory team is the official squad run directly by the manufacturer (in this case, Yamaha), which means it gets the very latest technology, the biggest budget, and direct support from the engineers who design the bike.

Martin will be joined by a new teammate, Ai Ogura, creating a completely fresh rider line-up for the Japanese brand. This signals a clear intention from Yamaha to build a new project around these two riders as the sport enters a new technical chapter.

Why is this such a big deal?

The move is a huge talking point because Martin is currently at the very top of the sport, leading the world championship. He rides for Aprilia Racing, and for the last few seasons, Ducati has been the dominant manufacturer on the grid, winning most of the races.

For a rider at the peak of his powers to sign for Yamaha, a team that has struggled for consistent results recently, is a massive vote of confidence in their future plans. It shows that Martin believes Yamaha can build a bike capable of winning championships under the new rules.

A mechanic works on the technical assembly of a Yamaha MotoGP bike in a workshop.

It also marks a significant career shift for Martin. By moving to Yamaha, he secures a coveted factory seat and a central role in a manufacturer’s project, stepping away from his current manufacturer.

What does this mean for the 2027 season?

The timing is crucial. In 2027, MotoGP will introduce a brand new set of technical rules. The most significant change is that the engine size will be reduced from 1000cc to 850cc, and other rules around (the wings and bodywork that help the bike stick to the track) will also be tightened.

This rule change effectively acts as a ‘reset’ for all the manufacturers. Everyone has to design a brand-new motorcycle, giving teams that have been struggling, like Yamaha, a golden opportunity to catch up and even get ahead of their rivals. By signing a top-tier rider like Martin so early, Yamaha is sending a clear message that it is investing heavily to be competitive from the very start of this new era.

A new 850cc MotoGP engine sits on a workbench, symbolising the 2027 technical rule changes.

Who is Jorge Martin’s new teammate?

Joining Martin at Yamaha in 2027 will be Japanese rider Ai Ogura. This creates an exciting blend of experience and new talent for the team. Martin will bring his proven ability to win races and fight for championships in the top class.

Ogura, meanwhile, will be stepping up, and Yamaha clearly sees great potential in him. Pairing a seasoned winner with a promising newcomer is a classic strategy for building a strong team for the long term.

What happens between now and 2027?

It’s important to remember that this change is still a long way off. Jorge Martin remains an Aprilia Racing rider for the rest of this season. His immediate goal will be to win his first MotoGP world title with his current team.

This creates an interesting situation where Martin will be racing hard against the very manufacturer he is due to join. For fans, it will be fascinating to watch him complete his journey with Aprilia before embarking on a completely new adventure with Yamaha in 2027.

A MotoGP rider in red and purple leathers celebrates a victory on the podium.

Ultimately, this announcement is one of the first major pieces of the 2027 rider puzzle to fall into place. It’s a bold move from both rider and team, and one that will be watched closely by everyone in the as they prepare for the future of MotoGP.

Quick Takeaways

Current championship leader Jorge Martin will leave Aprilia Racing to join the factory Yamaha team for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
He will be partnered by Ai Ogura, forming a completely new rider line-up for Yamaha.
The move is timed for the introduction of major new technical rules in 2027, including smaller 850cc engines.
Signing a top rider like Martin signals Yamaha’s serious intent to be a championship contender in the sport’s new era.