Jorge Martin faces a big challenge in 2027 when he leaves Aprilia for Yamaha, and the “problems” that await him will only be tougher owing to MotoGP’s 850cc regulations.
The 28-year-old currently sits at the top of the 2026 riders’ standings at the midway point of the season on 208 points after the first 11 rounds. But Martin will leave Aprilia at the end of his contract to join Yamaha for the start of MotoGP’s new era with 850cc engines next term.
Martin has signed a two-year contract for Yamaha, where he will partner current Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura in an all-new factory line-up for the Iwata outfit. Fabio Quartararo will head to Honda next year, and Yamaha have opted against offering Alex Rins a new contract for 2027.
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The riders are taking a leap of faith ahead of the regulation changes
Jorge Martin expects ‘problems’ adapting to 850cc bikes on top of Pirelli’s 2027 MotoGP tyres
Martin believes “everyone” thinks he is making a “mistake” by joining Yamaha, just like they did when he joined the Ducati stable for his MotoGP debut in 2021 and also when he joined Aprilia in 2025. Ducati placed Martin at Pramac from 2021 to 2024, when he sealed the title.
READ MORE: 2027 MotoGP regulations explained, from 850cc engines to aero restrictions
What Martin is ultimately capable of delivering when he joins Yamaha in 2027 remains to be seen. And the Madrid native is fully aware of the challenges that await next term, especially with MotoGP introducing 850cc bikes on top of switching from Michelin tyres to Pirelli tyres.
Martin told Motosprint: “For me, just changing the tyres would have been revolutionary. So, adding the new bikes makes the revolution even more significant.
“We riders will have to make the most of the new situation, but these are problems for the future. And I’ve learned that you have to live in the present, then I’ll give it my all.”
Jorge Martin thinks Honda and Yamaha will return to form in 2027 👀 How do you think they will fare with the new regulations?
Pirelli will replace Michelin as MotoGP’s sole tyre provider from next season after securing a five-year contract with the premier class, on top of the Italian brand’s deals to supply Moto2 and Moto3. It will be the first time in history that Pirelli has ever produced tyres for MotoGP.
Pirelli’s tyres are expected to make a huge difference to MotoGP’s pecking order, too, as the tyres should produce more balanced grip compared to Michelin’s rear-focused offering. But, as Martin notes, the Pirelli tyres will arrive on top of MotoGP moving from 1,000cc to 850cc engines, banning all ride height and holeshot devices and adopting greater aero restrictions.
Pramac rider Toprak Razgatlioglu immediately felt comfortable with Pirelli’s MotoGP tyres at Brno during the 850cc test in June. The Turkish ace has often struggled to feel at ease with the current Michelin tyres since Yamaha brought him over from World Superbikes this term.
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