Marco Bezzecchi
Aprilia don’t see Jorge Martin’s departure as a foregone conclusion despite strong rumours that he’s agreed to join Yamaha, Suzi Perry says.
There’s an increasing chance that Martin wins the world championship and immediately changes teams, just as he did in 2024. His Sprint and Grand Prix double at the French Grand Prix saw him close to within one point of teammate Marco Bezzecchi in the title race.
It was widely reported during the winter break that Yamaha had signed Martin as the marquee replacement for Fabio Quartararo, but no announcement has been made.
Marco Bezzecchi’s championship lead is down to just ONE point! Which Aprilia rider will score more points?
Aprilia haven’t given up hope of keeping Jorge Martin
Ai Ogura bagged his first MotoGP podium at Le Mans, finishing third between the factory one-two. In a sense, it’s a bittersweet result for Aprilia, with both riders apparently bound for Yamaha’s factory squad.
It’s said that Aprilia will sign Francesco Bagnaia to form an Italian dream team. Marco Bezzecchi’s extension is the only deal that’s formally been announced this year.
And yet, according to TNT Sports host Perry, Aprilia are still refusing to accept that they have lost Martin, their marquee 2024 signing.
“The rumour is Jorge Martin is going to Yamaha, and Ai Ogura as well,” she said. “If you speak to Aprilia, they think that they might be able to keep hold of Jorge, and yet we think Pecco’s signed for Aprilia.
Will Jorge Martin regret leaving Aprilia to join Yamaha?
“They don’t all fit, do they?”
Ogura’s exit opens up a spot at Trackhouse, but it’s almost unthinkable that Martin would join the satellite team, having left the Ducati stable to secure factory status. Aprilia aren’t expected to supply any other teams from 2027.
Jorge Martin’s move to Yamaha could be announced within days
In all likelihood, the only reason Martin’s move to Yamaha hasn’t been announced is because the teams haven’t signed a commercial agreement for 2027 and beyond.
As it stands, none of them are formally committed to racing in the sport next year, so it wouldn’t make sense to announce their line-ups, even if it should just be a matter of time.
Still, Yamaha director Massimo Meregalli indicated to TNT at Le Mans that there could be news on Martin and Ogura in the coming days.
Yamaha have played hardball in negotiations with the commercial rights holders, but Meregalli’s comments may indicate that a breakthrough is imminent.
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