Martin Confident Yamaha Move Is the Right Call

Jorge Martin's decision to join Yamaha's factory team for MotoGP 2027 has raised plenty of eyebrows. After all, he is leaving Aprilia, currently fighting at the top of the standings, for a manufacturer struggling at the bottom. Yet, Martin insists he has no doubts about his choice.

Speaking to DAZN, Martin recalled how his move to Aprilia two years ago was also widely questioned. "I've always made decisions based on what's best for me and my family, and I believe this is the best one. Just like when I signed for Aprilia – they said it was a disaster, where was I going with an Aprilia, a team that had never won – and here I am, leading the championship," he said.

Martin's decision to stay in MotoGP with Yamaha is interesting, especially as he returns to title contention after an injury-plagued 2025 season. This year, he has shown impressive form with Aprilia, even challenging Ducati closely for the world championship. However, he has chosen a new challenge amid the major regulation change to 850cc engines in 2027.

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Yamaha is certainly going through a difficult period. Since winning the title in 2021 with Fabio Quartararo, their performance has steadily declined. The switch to a V4 engine this year has done little to close the gap to other manufacturers. Even Quartararo has opted to leave for Honda. Yet, Martin believes the regulation change will be a turning point for Yamaha.

"I trust Fabiano (Sterallacchini, Aprilia's technical director). I can see he's doing everything in his power to help me improve. At the start of the year, he came to Andorra and said, 'I want to bring back that Jorge from 2024; I want to bring out all that talent again.' He's largely managed to do that," Martin revealed, referring to his close collaboration with Sterallacchini at Aprilia.

Despite leaving Aprilia, Martin remains focused on giving his best in 2026, the final year of the 1000cc era. He wants to end his partnership with Aprilia on a high note, while also proving that his move to Yamaha is not a mistake. "Let the world and the public say what they will. I'm confident in my choice," he asserted.