Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin is expected to join Yamaha as the replacement for Honda-bound rider Fabio Quartararo. The news broke during a wild day for the MotoGP rider market.
It emerged on Thursday morning that Quartararo will leave Yamaha for Honda at the end of the season, and Paolo Pavesio’s squad have acted rapidly to secure a replacement.
Hours later, Motorsport Espana revealed that Martin is finalising a two-year deal at Yamaha. The 2024 world champion will leave Aprilia after a season dominated by injuries and transfer speculation.
Yamaha move to replace Fabio Quartararo immediately! 🔥 Is this a smart move by Jorge Martin? 🤔
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Francesco Bagnaia had been strongly linked with Yamaha, but that move suddenly looks unlikely. Toprak Razgatlioglu signed a factory deal when he joined Pramac, one that should pave the way for him to partner Martin from 2027.
Francesco Bagnaia should replace Jorge Martin at Aprilia
Bagnaia is likely to lose his Ducati seat after a desperate 2025 season. The consensus is that Ducati will sign Pedro Acosta as his replacement.
So, where does this reshuffle leave Bagnaia? The obvious answer is now Aprilia, with a vacancy next to Jorge Martin.
There could still be factory spots available at Honda (next to Quartararo) and KTM (likely alongside Maverick Vinales), but Aprilia are arguably a more attractive destination based on 2025 form.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Francesco Bagnaia will be racing for…
Bagnaia could line up alongside Marco Bezzecchi, a fellow VR46 academy graduate who has flourished under Massimo Rivola.
Aprilia have already shown interest in Bagnaia and, with Martin on his way, the only obstacle to the move has now been removed.
What will happen next in the MotoGP rider market?
Thursday’s eruption tallies with the predictions of numerous MotoGP insiders, who warned that the rider market would move faster than ever this year.
Most riders have only tested the first prototype of their 2026 bikes, and yet some are still on the verge of signing their contracts. They’re basing their decisions on the upcoming regulation changes, rather than immediate prospects.
The next two announcements could come from Ducati. Marc Marquez’s extension should be made official before the season starts, while the deal with Acosta is reportedly close.
As an act of courtesy to their double world champion, Ducati may let Bagnaia confirm his next move before formally hiring Acosta. The Italian’s exit isn’t a foregone conclusion, but that certainly looks like the direction of travel.
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