Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin says it’s ‘impossible to know’ if Yamaha will be competitive next year even though he has reportedly signed for the Japanese manufacturer.
News that Martin is joining Yamaha broke shortly after the Fabio Quartararo to Honda bombshell over the winter. It wasn’t a surprise to see the 2024 world champion leave Aprilia after his public attempt to do so midway through an injury-ravaged 2025.
But switching to Yamaha is a gamble given the team’s current woes. They finished bottom of the standings last year and have fallen even further adrift despite introducing a new V4 engine.
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‘Only time will tell’ if Yamaha can bounce back, says Jorge Martin
In an interview with Motosan, Martin was asked whether Honda and Yamaha will have a ‘better chance’ against Aprilia and Ducati following the 2027 regulation changes.
Aprilia have made a dominant start to the 2026 season, winning all three Grands Prix as well as the US GP Sprint. Martin is swapping the form team on the grid for the 10th best.
Even if the move hasn’t been officially announced, one would expect the Spaniard to express confidence in Yamaha, but his answer was surprisingly non-committal. If anything, it only underscores his blind faith.
Will Jorge Martin regret leaving Aprilia to join Yamaha?
“I don’t know, only time will tell,” said Martin. “Right now it’s impossible to know, nobody can know, and the important thing is to be present in the moment and enjoy the bike I have.”
While Yamaha’s vast resources could help them strike back in the 850cc era, regret may start to set in for Martin if he competes for the title at Aprilia. He is currently just four points behind teammate Marco Bezzecchi.
It’s too late to back out of any move now, though, because Aprilia have signed Francesco Bagnaia as his replacement.
Jorge Martin says 2027 rules will be more exciting for fans and riders
Discussing the 2027 rules more generally, Martin predicted that the quality of the racing would improve. The first three rounds of the current season have largely been entertaining, but many of the 2025 races were processional.
The hope is that it will be easier for riders to follow with stripped-back aerodynamics, while the ban on ride-height devices should put a greater emphasis on individual skill.
“I think it’s going to change a lot, especially because it will be a much more instinctive bike,” said Martin. “Without so much aerodynamic assistance, without so many devices, there will be many more overtakes, more battles, and it will be more exciting, especially for the spectators, but also for the riders.
“The ability to overtake and play with other riders is something that isn’t possible now, and it will be better.”
As it stands, Martin won’t be able to ride a 2027 bike until next year, whereas riders who have extended contracts will be eligible for in-season testing. However, there are talks over a ‘general amnesty’ that will take effect at the post-season Valencia test.
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