Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), July 1, 2026: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled a major statement of intent ahead of MotoGP’s new technical era, confirming that Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura will ride for the Yamaha Factory MotoGP Team during the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP World Championship seasons.

The announcement marks a significant step in Yamaha’s long-term rebuilding strategy as the Japanese manufacturer prepares for sweeping technical regulation changes that will come into effect in 2027. By pairing reigning MotoGP elite talent with one of the championship’s fastest-rising young stars, Yamaha is aiming to return to the front of the grid in the sport’s next generation.

Yamaha Builds for MotoGP’s New Era

With MotoGP set to introduce new technical regulations in 2027, Yamaha has moved early to secure a rider pairing capable of leading its future development programme.

The manufacturer believes the combination of proven race-winning experience and youthful potential provides the ideal platform to compete for victories and championships in the coming years.

Jorge Martín Brings Championship Pedigree

Spanish rider Jorge Martín arrives at Yamaha as one of MotoGP’s most accomplished competitors.

A MotoGP World Champion and multiple Grand Prix winner, Martín has earned a reputation for his outright speed, aggressive racecraft, and consistency at the highest level of motorcycle racing. His experience fighting for victories and world titles is expected to play a crucial role in Yamaha’s efforts to return to championship contention.

The signing represents one of the biggest rider transfers ahead of the 2027 season and gives Yamaha a proven leader to spearhead its factory programme under the new regulations.

Ai Ogura Earns Factory Promotion

Joining Martín is Japanese sensation Ai Ogura, who has rapidly established himself as one of MotoGP’s brightest young talents.

After an impressive rise through the premier class, Ogura has demonstrated exceptional pace, maturity, and consistency, convincing Yamaha that he is ready for a full factory ride.

His promotion also strengthens Yamaha’s connection with its Japanese heritage by bringing a homegrown rider into the factory MotoGP team.

The manufacturer views Ogura as a long-term investment capable of developing into one of the championship’s leading contenders over the coming seasons.

Complementary Rider Pairing for Future Success

Yamaha believes the contrasting strengths of Martín and Ogura will create a balanced and competitive rider line-up.

While Martín offers championship-winning experience and immediate race-winning capability, Ogura brings youthful energy, technical adaptability, and long-term development potential.

Together, they will lead Yamaha’s challenge as MotoGP enters one of the most significant technical transitions in the championship’s history.

Paolo Pavesio: ‘A New Era for Yamaha’

Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, described the signings as a clear reflection of Yamaha’s 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.

“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.”

Yamaha Targets Return to MotoGP Glory

The double signing sends a strong message about Yamaha’s intentions as it prepares for MotoGP’s next chapter.

With a world champion in Jorge Martín and one of the sport’s most exciting young riders in Ai Ogura, Yamaha has assembled a rider line-up designed to accelerate bike development, compete for race victories, and challenge for future MotoGP World Championships beginning with the all-new 2027 technical regulations.