Yamaha is poised to deliver the latest bombshell in the 2027 MotoGP rider market, with multiple reports suggesting a deal has been struck for Ai Ogura to join the factory team alongside incoming 2024 world champion Jorge Martin. The move marks another significant shift in a rapidly evolving rider landscape.
Earlier this year, Yamaha was at the center of rider market speculation following news that 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo would be leaving for Honda. While the loss of Quartararo was a blow, Yamaha responded by securing the signature of Jorge Martin, a major coup for the Japanese manufacturer.
Recent rumors indicated that Honda’s Luca Marini was set to join Yamaha as Martin’s teammate. However, reports from Motorsport’s Oriol Puigdemont now indicate that Yamaha has opted for Ai Ogura instead. Ogura, the 2024 Moto2 champion, impressed during his rookie season with Trackhouse Aprilia and has continued that form into 2027, currently sitting seventh in the standings with a best finish of fifth in Thailand and Brazil.
Ogura’s impending move to Yamaha highlights the team’s enduring ability to attract top talent, despite recent struggles on track. The signing, however, leaves Marini’s MotoGP future uncertain. With Honda’s works team preparing to pair Quartararo with David Alonso and LCR’s lineup locked in, Marini could potentially find a home at Tech3—should Honda finalize a rumored deal to supply the satellite team with bikes next season.
Meanwhile, Ogura’s exit from Trackhouse Aprilia increases the prospects of Raul Fernandez remaining with the US-based squad, especially following his recent string of podiums and a first career win in Australia last season. Joan Mir, who is also set to leave Honda’s factory team, has been linked as another possible candidate for the Trackhouse seat.
For Alex Rins, the news signals further uncertainty. After struggling to adapt since his switch to Yamaha, the multiple race winner currently sits 19th in the championship.
