Yamaha have landed a symbolic victory over Honda with the reported signing of Ai Ogura. It emerged over the weekend that Ogura will become Jorge Martin’s factory teammate in 2027.
Ogura’s move comes as a surprise because he was expected to renew his contract at Trackhouse. His rookie season was disrupted by injury, so there was little talk of a factory seat.
But after finishing in the top six in his first five 2026 appearances, Ogura was offered the chance to partner a MotoGP world champion in Martin. The 25-year-old was potentially on course for his first premier-class podium in Austin before retiring due to a mechanical failure.
Ai Ogura will join Jorge Martin at Yamaha!
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Ai Ogura leaves Honda aggrieved – again
Ogura rejected a seat at LCR, Honda’s satellite team, and chose to make his MotoGP debut with Trackhouse. He had been part of their programme throughout his time in Moto3 and Moto2.
They remained keen on the idea of signing Ogura if another opportunity emerged, according to MOW. Indeed, Honda could have six bikes next year if negotiations with Tech3 are successful.
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However, in another ‘slap in the face’ for HRC, he has decided to join their Japanese rivals. Ogura shunned Honda two years ago partly because he had doubts about their project, but he’s willing to join a Yamaha team who are cut adrift at the back of the field.
It may be the promise of immediate factory status made the difference. Honda are signing David Alonso from Moto2 to be Fabio Quartararo’s teammate at the flagship team next year.
Honda’s 2027 rider plans after latest Ai Ogura snub
With Quartararo and Alonso likely to form the factory line-up, Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira are locked into LCR. Both signed multi-year deals in 2025.
Some Honda figures were unhappy about Zarco’s extension but there’s no indication that they will back out of the agreement.
The availability of further seats hinges on the outcome of the Tech3 talks. Honda could give Luca Marini a lifeline if they strike a deal with Guenther Steiner’s squad.
Marini was a contender for the Yamaha seat before they chose Ogura instead. Meanwhile, Joan Mir could move to Trackhouse as a replacement for the Japanese rider.
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