Jorge Martín signs for Yamaha in 2027 MotoGP switch after Dutch GP win

Jorge Martín will race for Yamaha in MotoGP’s 850cc era starting in 2027 after agreeing a two-season deal announced on Wednesday night (AEST). The 28-year-old Spaniard joins rising Japanese star Ai Ogura at Yamaha’s factory squad, replacing outgoing duo Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins.

What happened?

Yamaha confirmed Martin’s move alongside Ogura’s promotion to the premier class after he won his first MotoGP race at Assen on 29 June 2026. Martin, the 2024 world champion, leads the 2026 title chase after finishing third at the Dutch GP on 18 June. His switch follows two seasons with Aprilia, where he claimed the 2024 title before joining the satellite Pramac Ducati team in 2025.

Why it matters for Jorge Martín

Martin’s Yamaha deal ends months of grid uncertainty tied to MotoGP’s commercial impasse between MSMA and MSEG. The agreement came just days after Ducati re-signed Marc Márquez and Aprilia paired Marco Bezzecchi with Francesco Bagnaia. Martin’s move also frees up Aprilia’s seat for Bagnaia, who replaces him at the factory team alongside Bezzecchi.

What comes next?

Quartararo’s switch to Honda’s factory squad is set to be announced imminently, while Rins, Jack Miller, Maverick Viñales, Franco Morbidelli and Brad Binder face uncertain futures. Other expected moves include Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Márquez to KTM, Enea Bastianini to Trackhouse Aprilia, and Joan Mir to Ducati. The reshuffle caps a chaotic rider market after the MSMA-MSEG deadlock broke in late June.

The bigger picture

The 2027 grid now takes shape with Ducati’s Marquez and Pedro Acosta, Aprilia’s Bezzecchi and Bagnaia, and Yamaha’s Martin and Ogura as the headline pairings. The changes reflect MotoGP’s shift to 850cc bikes and a fresh commercial cycle under Liberty Media’s ownership. Martin’s title lead adds urgency to his Yamaha debut, where he’ll chase a third world crown.