Yamaha Signs Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura for MotoGP 2027-2028

Yamaha Builds Its MotoGP Roster Around Martín and Ogura

Yamaha has secured two of the most sought-after names in grand prix racing, signing Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura to factory MotoGP contracts for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The announcement confirms a significant reshaping of the Iwata manufacturer's rider lineup as it looks to return to championship contention.

Martín arrives as the reigning MotoGP world champion, having claimed the 2024 title with Pramac Racing on a Ducati. His move to Yamaha signals the Japanese brand's intent to surround its revised M1 project with proven race-winning talent. Ogura, meanwhile, has been one of the standout performers in Moto2 and is set to step up to the premier class as part of the same multi-year plan.

The signings were reported by MSN, citing the official confirmation from Yamaha.

What Each Rider Brings to the Project

Martín's credentials speak for themselves. The Spanish rider edged out Francesco Bagnaia in one of the closest title fights in recent MotoGP memory, demonstrating the consistency and racecraft that Yamaha clearly wants at the front of its program. Joining a manufacturer in a rebuilding phase is a calculated risk, but the two-year structure of the deal gives both sides time to develop.

Ogura is a different kind of bet. The Japanese rider has shown strong pace and racecraft in Moto2, and his signing carries obvious appeal for Yamaha on a commercial and sporting level. Placing a Japanese rider on a Japanese factory machine is a pairing the sport has not seen regularly in recent years. Whether he can adapt quickly to the demands of MotoGP will be one of the more closely watched storylines heading into 2027.

Timing and Context

The 2027 season is still some way off, but manufacturer deals of this scale are typically agreed well in advance. Yamaha has faced a difficult stretch, failing to win a MotoGP race title since Fabio Quartararo's championship in 2021. The factory has been working on a revised technical package, and locking in a champion like Martín gives that development program a clear performance target.

For Martín, the move also represents a fresh chapter. His relationship with Ducati was complicated by the factory's decision to retain Bagnaia over him for the official team, which pushed him toward Aprilia before this Yamaha deal emerged. He will be among the highest-profile signings the Japanese manufacturer has made in years.

Ogura's path from Moto2 to a factory MotoGP seat skips the traditional stepping-stone period at a satellite team, which underlines how much confidence Yamaha is placing in him.

The grid for 2027 is still forming across the paddock, but Yamaha has now moved early to secure two of its key pieces.