IWATA, Japan — Yamaha officially confirmed Wednesday that Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura will become the manufacturer’s factory MotoGP riders for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, completing one of the most significant rider reshuffles ahead of the new championship cycle.
The announcement, first reported by Motorsport.com several months ago, follows Yamaha’s confirmation a day earlier that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave the factory squad at the end of the 2026 campaign. Their departures leave Honda and KTM as the only MotoGP manufacturers yet to officially unveil their factory rider line-ups for 2027.
The signing represents a major statement of intent from Yamaha as it seeks to return to the front of MotoGP after several difficult seasons.
“We are delighted to welcome Jorge and Ai to the Yamaha factory MotoGP team as we begin a new era in 2027. Having riders of this calibre underscores our ambition and confidence in the project,” Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio said in a statement.
“Jorge has already proven himself to be one of the benchmark riders in MotoGP, with the speed, determination, and mentality needed to fight for wins and world championships. We expect him to play a key role in boosting our performance from day one.”
Pavesio also praised Ogura’s rapid development and highlighted the significance of returning a Japanese rider to Yamaha’s factory MotoGP squad.
“Ai’s progress over the last season and a half has been exceptional. His talent, work ethic, and potential give us confidence that he can become one of the best riders in the championship. At the same time, we are especially proud to welcome a Japanese rider to the Yamaha factory team,” he said.
The timing of Yamaha’s announcement coincides with career-defining moments for both riders.
Martin arrives as the current leader of the MotoGP championship after leaving the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen on top of the standings, while Ogura celebrated his maiden premier-class victory during the same race weekend.
Ogura’s triumph carried additional historical significance.
The Japanese rider became the first competitor from his country to win a MotoGP Grand Prix since Makoto Tamada claimed victory at Motegi 22 years earlier, further strengthening Yamaha’s confidence in its newest signing.
Martin’s move concludes an eventful chapter with Aprilia.
After joining the Italian manufacturer in 2025, the reigning 2024 MotoGP world champion endured a difficult debut season that was heavily disrupted by multiple serious injuries. The setbacks became so severe that Martin explored the possibility of leaving Aprilia before ultimately remaining with the Noale-based team.
His fortunes have changed dramatically this season.
Martin returned to winning form at Le Mans before claiming pole position at Assen and rising to the top of the championship standings, restoring the form that made him one of MotoGP’s elite riders.
Yamaha intensified its pursuit of Martin early this year after it became increasingly clear that Quartararo would leave for Honda at the end of the season.
Ogura’s path to Yamaha developed much more rapidly.
Trackhouse Racing was unable to finalize a long-term agreement with the Japanese rider, allowing Yamaha management to capitalize on the opportunity. Negotiations accelerated during the Grand Prix of the Americas, where Yamaha secured the deal within only a few days.
The move also represents an unusual career path for Ogura.
Although he will become Yamaha’s first Japanese factory MotoGP rider in years, his development came through Honda’s rider program, which guided his progression before both parties separated in 2024.
That same year, Ogura captured the Moto2 world championship, establishing himself as one of the sport’s brightest young talents before graduating to MotoGP.
Yamaha hopes the combination of Martin’s championship-winning experience and Ogura’s emerging talent will accelerate the manufacturer’s return to consistent race-winning form under MotoGP’s next technical cycle.
The confirmation also clarifies another key piece of the 2027 rider market, although several major moves remain unresolved.
KTM is widely expected to announce the arrivals of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio from Gresini Racing and VR46 Racing Team, respectively, while Honda is anticipated to formally unveil Quartararo as part of its future factory line-up.
At Yamaha’s satellite operation, Prima Pramac Yamaha, two-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu is expected to join the MotoGP grid alongside Izan Guevara, who is set to earn promotion from Paolo Campinoti’s Moto2 team.
With Martin and Ogura now officially confirmed, Yamaha has completed one of the most ambitious rider acquisitions in the paddock, betting that a proven world champion and one of Japan’s most promising young talents can lead the manufacturer back into championship contention beginning in 2027.
