Yamaha Signs Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura for Factory MotoGP Team From 2027

Former MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin and rising Japanese star Ai Ogura will spearhead Yamaha’s new-era project as the manufacturer prepares for the 2027 regulations.

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Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has officially confirmed the signing of Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura to its Factory MotoGP Team for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons, unveiling an all-new rider line-up ahead of the championship’s next technical era.

The announcement comes as MotoGP prepares to introduce sweeping regulation changes in 2027, with Yamaha positioning itself for a fresh start by pairing an established world champion with one of the sport’s fastest-rising young talents.

Martin joins the Japanese manufacturer after establishing himself as one of MotoGP’s benchmark riders. The Spaniard, a MotoGP World Champion and multiple Grand Prix winner, has built a reputation for his outright speed, consistency and relentless determination at the front of the field.

His arrival signals Yamaha’s intent to return to championship-winning form as it develops its next-generation MotoGP machine.

Joining Martin is Japanese sensation Ai Ogura, whose rapid rise through the premier class has made him one of MotoGP’s most exciting prospects. After impressing with his speed and maturity during the early stages of his MotoGP career, Ogura will step up to the factory team as Yamaha continues to invest in long-term rider development.

As Yamaha’s first Japanese factory rider in recent years, Ogura’s promotion also carries significant importance for the manufacturer, further strengthening the connection between the Japanese brand and its home-grown talent.

Together, Martin and Ogura will form Yamaha’s rider pairing for the 2027 and 2028 campaigns, combining championship-winning experience with youthful potential as the team looks to compete at the front under the new technical regulations.

Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio said the new rider line-up reflects the company’s long-term ambitions.

“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,” he said.

Pavesio described Martin as one of the leading riders on the current MotoGP grid: “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.”

He also praised Ogura’s development, saying the Japanese rider has demonstrated exceptional progress over the past season and a half.

“Ai’s progression 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.”

With the signings of Martin and Ogura, Yamaha becomes one of the first manufacturers to finalise its factory rider line-up for MotoGP’s new era, underlining its commitment to returning to the front of the championship when the new regulations come into force in 2027.