Yamaha make shock double move as Ogura joins Martín in factory line‑up

Spanish outlet Motorsport.com has revealed a major twist in the MotoGP rider market: Ai Ogura is set to leave the Aprilia‑aligned Trackhouse squad and join Yamaha’s factory team alongside Jorge Martín in 2027. The move comes only days after reports that Fabio Quartararo had blocked Francesco Bagnaia’s potential switch to Iwata, adding further intrigue to Yamaha’s rebuilding strategy.

Both of Yamaha’s future factory riders will therefore arrive from Aprilia structures — Martín from the works team and Ogura from the satellite outfit. For Ogura, the 2024 Moto2 world champion, it marks a significant elevation, giving him his first opportunity with a full factory project at the start of a new technical cycle, after difficult seasons for Yamaha.

The Japanese rider spent six years in Honda colours through the Asia Talent pathway before claiming his Moto2 crown with MT Helmets‑MSi. Now he prepares to cross the divide and help restore Yamaha’s competitiveness.