Jorge Martin, the 2024 MotoGP world champion, is reportedly in talks to join Yamaha for the 2027 season, following a difficult 2025 campaign with Aprilia. The Spanish rider, who previously moved from Ducati’s Pramac team to Aprilia after missing out on a factory seat to Marc Marquez, has struggled with injuries that sidelined him for most of this year’s Grand Prix events.
Martin’s series of injuries has raised concerns about his long-term prospects in MotoGP. Despite being determined to return strong for the 2026 season, the effects of multiple surgeries have left him sidelined, and Aprilia has already prioritized teammate Marco Bezzecchi by securing him with a new two-year contract. These developments have fueled rumors that Martin may switch manufacturers once again, with Yamaha emerging as a strong contender.
Yamaha’s Offer Contingent on Martin’s Full Recovery
According to reports, Yamaha is prepared to finalize Jorge Martin’s contract for 2027, but only if he can demonstrate a full recovery from his recent injuries. The team is understood to be seeking more than just medical clearance; they want clear evidence that Martin can return to the high level of performance that earned him the title in 2024 and remain competitive at the front of the grid.
With Martin still absent from the Sepang test owing to surgeries on his scaphoid and collarbone, uncertainty surrounds his physical readiness. Yamaha’s decision appears cautious, reflecting the intense competition and the risk involved in signing a rider coming off such an injury-plagued season. The Japanese manufacturer’s confidence in Martin hinges on his ability to reclaim championship-form status.
Meanwhile, Aprilia’s confidence in Bezzecchi has risen with his contract renewal and improved results, potentially reducing Martin’s value within the team if he cannot return to top form. The Spaniard’s future now depends heavily on proving his fitness and race-readiness before Yamaha can finalize any deal.
Martín Remains Yamaha’s Top Candidate Despite Competition
Despite these uncertainties, Jorge Martin remains Yamaha’s preferred choice for the 2027 lineup, especially amid concerns over Fabio Quartararo’s possible move to Honda. Yamaha is gearing up for a significant shift with the introduction of their V4 bike in 2026 and is actively evaluating several riders to bolster their squad.
Other names are under consideration, including Alex Rins, whose position at Yamaha is unclear, and Toprak Razgatlioglu, the WSBK star whose promotion depends on his adaptation to MotoGP. Additionally, Francesco Bagnaia, poised to leave Ducati in 2026, could join Yamaha, potentially making the team even stronger with multiple former world champions.
Yamaha’s strategy suggests an intense effort to build a competitive roster capable of championship success, with Martin’s contract hinged on overcoming his physical setbacks to meet these high expectations.
