Yamaha has confirmed one of the biggest rider signings ahead of MotoGP’s new technical era, announcing current World Championship leader Jorge Martin and rising Japanese star Ai Ogura as its factory riders for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
The long-anticipated move completes a dramatic overhaul of Yamaha’s factory line-up, with Martin arriving from Aprilia’s factory squad and Ogura making the switch from the Trackhouse Aprilia team. Their arrival follows Yamaha’s confirmation that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave the team at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign.
The announcement comes just months before MotoGP introduces its all-new 850cc regulations for 2027, with Yamaha placing its future in the hands of two riders enjoying outstanding seasons. Martin, the 2024 MotoGP World Champion, currently leads the championship, while Ogura has emerged as one of the revelations of 2026, recently claiming his maiden premier-class victory at Assen to become the first Japanese rider to win a MotoGP race in 22 years.
For Martin, the move represents another major career change after previous spells with Ducati and Aprilia. The Spaniard is expected to spearhead Yamaha’s bid to return to championship-winning form after several difficult seasons, aided by the manufacturer’s continued development of its V4-powered prototype ahead of the regulation reset.
Ogura’s signing is equally significant. The 2024 Moto2 World Champion showed flashes of brilliance during an injury-plagued rookie season in 2025 and has recently stepped up to take a first MotoGP race win at the most recent round of Assen, hoisting himself to within 25 points of the title lead held by Martin. His appointment also restores a Japanese rider to the factory Yamaha line-up, something the manufacturer has long desired.
“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 caliber underlines our ambition and confidence in the project,” said Yamaha Motor Racing’s Managing Director, Paolo Pavesio.
“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.”
