Marco Bezzecchi
Aleix Espargaro has shed light on Jorge Martin’s decision to join Yamaha in 2027, saying that he was not ‘completely fulfilled’ at Aprilia.
Martin will race with Yamaha next year, signing a two-year deal alongside Ai Ogura in an all-new factory line-up. The riders will leave Aprilia after two years riding the Noale outfit’s bikes.
On the surface, it seems like a strange decision, given that the RS-GP is arguably the best bike on the grid and Martin is currently leading the championship with it. But the 2027 rule changes throw the pecking order in the air, and tension has been brewing between Aprilia and the Spaniard.
Jorge Martin thinks Honda and Yamaha will return to form in 2027 👀 How do you think they will fare with the new regulations?
Aleix Espargaro says Jorge Martin wanted to be ‘the leader’ of a Japanese factory amid Aprilia exit
For many, the 2024 MotoGP champion’s departure from the Noale outfit was a long time coming. After all, Martin did try to break his Aprilia contract in 2025 and force a move to Honda after numerous injury setbacks
In 2026, there has been noticeable friction in the No.89 rider’s garage. He shoved Paolo Bonora after crashing in Barcelona, while Massimo Rivola publicly criticised Martin after he wiped out three Aprilia riders on the opening lap of the Hungarian GP.
Aprilia did not even acknowledge Martin’s exit from the team after it was confirmed that he would be joining Yamaha and Pecco Bagnaia would replace him. As Espargaro notes, the 27-year-old never felt ‘completely fulfilled’ within the team.
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The former Aprilia rider told Libertad Digital: “I’m really happy for Jorge. I think this year he has a great opportunity to achieve something I couldn’t, which is to be world champion with Aprilia.” Martin is currently seven points clear of teammate Marco Bezzecchi.
Discussing his Yamaha move, he said: “He never felt completely fulfilled. He wanted to be the leader, the captain of a major Japanese factory, and Yamaha has given him that opportunity. With the change in regulations, it could be a very smart move.
“They’ve made some excellent signings. Both Jorge and Ai Ogura could make their mark there.”
Predict the podium at the German Grand Prix this weekend 🔮
Yamaha have desperately underperformed in the past few years. Their V4 project has left them stuck at the back of the grid, and according to rumours, Yamaha are also behind with their 2027 bike.
However, experts say Yamaha’s struggles will not last much longer, which is encouraging news for Martin and Ogura. The Spaniard will get the chance to lead the manufacturer in 2027, but the Iwata outfit will need to dramatically improve their form to give him any chance of winning a title.
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