Yamaha has confirmed the acquisitions of Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura, setting the Italian paddock’s factory MotoGP line‑up for 2027 and 2028.
Factory roster established amid a wave of departures
The announcement follows Yamaha’s farewells to Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, leaving Honda and KTM as the only manufacturers yet to finalize their 2027 factory rosters. According to Yamaha’s Managing Director for Motorsport, Paolo Pavesio, “bringing riders of such stature into the squad signals our ambition and confidence in the upcoming seasons.”
Martín’s return to peak form after a turbulent Aprilia stint
After a season marred by injuries, the 2025 world champion clinched a victory at Le Mans, recorded pole position at Assen, and now leads the championship standings. His recent upward trajectory persuaded Yamaha’s management to intervene in January, especially after Quartararo’s move to Honda was confirmed.
Ogura sets historic precedent with Dutch GP triumph
The Japanese rider won his first MotoGP race at the Dutch Grand Prix, becoming the first homegrown competitor to win a premier‑class event since Makoto Tamada in 2004. Ogura, the 2024 Moto2 world champion, had emerged from Honda’s rider development programme before a break‑up with the manufacturer, and now carries a potential that Yamaha believes can translate into championship contention.
Yamaha’s timing outstrips rivals
Both signings materialised as Martin left Assen to claim the championship lead and Ogura celebrated a maiden premier‑class victory on the same day, striking a chord that coincided with Trackhouse’s failure to secure Ogura’s future. KTM is poised to announce the transfer of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio from Gresini and VR46, while Honda is expected to confirm Quartararo’s contract at a later date. Yamaha’s satellite team, Pramac, will likely pair Toprak Razgatlioglu with Izan Guevara.
Looking ahead: a new era begins
With García‑backed riding talent and a proven championship‑level rider, Yamaha sets the stage for a competitive 2027 season, signaling an aggressive push not only with their factory squad but also through strategic satellite partnerships.
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