Yamaha Boss Explains Signing of MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin

Yamaha has signed Jorge Martin to spearhead its 850cc programme after learning that star rider Fabio Quartararo will leave the team at the end of his current contract to join Honda. Yamaha enjoyed significant success with Quartararo early in the decade, including a championship title in 2021, but their relationship strained as the performance of the M1 bike declined.

Currently undergoing a rebuilding phase that includes abandoning its inline-four engine concept in favour of a V4 engine, Yamaha sought a rider eager to help restore its competitiveness. Yamaha boss Paolo Pavesio stated that Martin expressed a strong desire to join the project, showing enthusiasm for a company that is heavily investing and possesses a rich championship history despite its recent struggles.

Martin famously won the 2024 MotoGP world championship with Pramac, beating Ducati factory rider Francesco Bagnaia. Following an injury-plagued first season at Aprilia, the Spanish rider bounced back this year to lead the championship ahead of the flyaway races in the Asia-Pacific region. He is set to leave Aprilia to join Yamaha starting in the 2027 season.

Acknowledging that the signing represents a gamble for both parties, Pavesio expressed confidence in Martin's speed and talent as a top-tier rider. He also highlighted Yamaha's advantage in working with Pramac team manager Gino Borsoi, who has a deep understanding of Martin both as a rider and as an individual.