Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura sign with Yamaha Factory MotoGP Team on two-year deals ahead of the 2027 regulations shift.
The rumors are now confirmed. After announcing that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins would be leaving the factory Yamaha MotoGP team at the end of the year, Yamaha have now signed Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura to take their places. Both moves could be seen as surprises, considering Yamaha’s struggles recently, but we suspect lots of zeros were added to the contract to lure Jorge Martin (not to mention Martin secured his Aprilia exit after his antics last year trying to leave the team) and Ogura, though the latter might also be excited to ride for a Japanese manufacturer and provide input as part of the factory team.
The full press release is below.
Begin press release:
Yamaha Announces Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura as Their Riders for MotoGP’s New Era
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura have signed with the Yamaha Factory MotoGP Team for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons.
As MotoGP prepares to enter a new technical era in 2027, Yamaha continues to shape the foundations of its long-term project by combining proven championship-winning experience with one of the sport’s brightest emerging talents.
Jorge Martín joins Yamaha as one of the benchmark riders of modern MotoGP. A MotoGP World Champion and multiple Grand Prix winner, the Spaniard has established himself through his exceptional speed, determination, and ability to consistently compete at the highest level.
Alongside him, Ai Ogura represents the future of both Yamaha and MotoGP. After rapidly establishing himself as one of the championship’s most promising young riders, the Japanese talent joins the Factory Team at an exciting stage of his career. That makes him an ideal fit for Yamaha’s long-term ambitions.
Together, Martín and Ogura form a rider line-up made of two complementary profiles ideal to support Yamaha’s competitive ambitions as the championship enters its next era.
PAOLO PAVESIO
Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing
“We are excited to welcome Jorge and Ai to the Yamaha Factory MotoGP Team as we enter a new era in 2027. Securing riders of this calibre underlines our ambition and confidence in the project.
“Jorge has already proven himself as one of the benchmark riders in MotoGP, with the speed, determination, and mindset to fight for wins and World Championships. We expect him to play a key role in driving our performance forward from day one.
“Ai’s progression over the past one-and-a-half seasons has been outstanding. His talent, work ethic, and potential make us confident he can grow into one of the top riders in the championship. At the same time, we are especially proud to welcome a Japanese rider into the Yamaha Factory Team.”
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