Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has officially unveiled one of the most anticipated rider line-ups in MotoGP, confirming that reigning World Championship leader Jorge Martin and rising Japanese sensation Ai Ogura will spearhead the Yamaha Factory MotoGP Team for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons.
The announcement marks the beginning of Yamaha’s next chapter as MotoGP prepares to enter a new technical era in 2027, with the Japanese manufacturer placing its future in the hands of a proven world champion and one of the championship’s fastest-rising stars.
Fresh from establishing himself as one of MotoGP’s elite riders, Jorge Martin arrives at Yamaha with an impressive résumé.
The Spaniard captured the 2024 MotoGP World Championship and has developed into one of the benchmark riders on the grid, renowned for his outright speed, relentless determination, and ability to consistently challenge for victories.
Now leading the current World Championship, Martin is expected to become the cornerstone of Yamaha’s renewed title ambitions under the sport’s new regulations.
Joining Martin is Japanese star Ai Ogura, whose remarkable rise has made him one of MotoGP’s most exciting young talents.
Ogura recently celebrated a historic milestone by claiming his maiden MotoGP victory at the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen, becoming the first Japanese premier-class race winner since Makoto Tamada triumphed at Motegi in 2004.
His rapid progression over the past season and a half convinced Yamaha that the time was right to promote one of Japan’s brightest prospects into the factory squad.
For Yamaha, Ogura’s signing represents not only a long-term investment in performance but also the return of a Japanese rider to the manufacturer’s flagship MotoGP project.
The pairing creates a balanced combination of experience and youth.
Martin brings championship-winning credentials and proven race-winning ability, while Ogura offers fresh momentum, immense potential, and the opportunity to build Yamaha’s future around one of Japan’s most promising riders.
As MotoGP enters its next technical generation in 2027, Yamaha believes the duo provides the ideal platform to return the manufacturer to the front of the championship.
Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio expressed his excitement over securing both riders for the factory programme.
“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 victories 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 give us great confidence that he can develop into one of the championship’s leading riders. At the same time, we are especially proud to welcome a Japanese rider into the Yamaha Factory Team.”
The announcement comes shortly after Yamaha confirmed that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will depart at the conclusion of the 2026 season, signalling a complete reset ahead of MotoGP’s new regulations.
By securing both the reigning championship leader and one of the sport’s most exciting emerging talents, Yamaha has made a bold statement of intent.
With Martin targeting further world titles and Ogura carrying the hopes of Japanese motorsport into a new generation, the 2027 Yamaha Factory MotoGP Team promises to be one of the championship’s most compelling partnerships as MotoGP enters a new era.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
