Yamaha set to deliver latest 2027 MotoGP rider market shock amid Ai Ogura reports

Yamaha looks set to deliver the next shock in the MotoGP rider market, as fresh reports claim it has agreed a deal with Ai Ogura to join Jorge Martin in 2027.

The Japanese marque became one of the big stories of the 2027 rider market earlier this year when reports emerged that 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo would be leaving for Honda.

Despite losing the considerable talent of the Frenchman amid a dearth in results, Yamaha looks to have gained the signature of 2024 world champion Jorge Martin.

In recent weeks, reports began to circulate that Honda’s Luca Marini was set to join Yamaha alongside Martin.

However, according to Motorsport’s Oriol Puigdemont, Yamaha has agreed a deal with Ai Ogura instead.

Ogura made his debut last year with Trackhouse Aprilia, emerging as a surprise signing in the summer of 2024 amid an almost certain step with Honda.

The 2024 Moto2 champion showed flashes of speed on the satellite Aprilia last year, and has made a strong start to the current campaign.

After three rounds, Ogura is seventh in the standings with a best result of fifth in Thailand and Brazil, while a potential podium went begging due to a technical issue.

Luca Marini heads back to the market

The reports that Ogura has been snared by Yamaha shows the brand continues to have pulling power, despite its current form significantly weakening its bargaining position.

But it also means Luca Marini must go back to a market that is quickly beginning to get light on options.

His time at the factory Honda team looks over, with HRC’s works squad set to pair Quartararo with David Alonso.

LCR is locked up with Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira on long-term deals.

Honda could gain two more bikes amid links to Tech3, who could turn its back on KTM machinery next year.

Marini is popular at HRC for his analytical approach to bike development, with Honda likely keen to find a place for him at Tech3 if that link-up does come to pass.

The Ogura reports also likely give Raul Fernandez a greater chance of remaining with the US-based outfit.

Fernandez scored podiums in Thailand, and won his first race last season in Australia, though his form has remained hit and miss in his tenure with Trackhouse.

As recently as a few weeks ago, Fernandez’s MotoGP future looked uncertain.

Trackhouse has also been linked as a potential destination for Joan Mir, who will also leave Honda’s factory team at the end of the year.

Alex Rins’ MotoGP career hangs in the balance

The other knock-on effect of Ogura moving to Yamaha is the further uncertainty Alex Rins now faces to continue his MotoGP career.

The multiple race winner has struggled since switching to Yamaha last year, with the Spaniard 19th in the standings as team-mate Quartararo cracked the top 10 with a handful of podium appearances on the same bike.

Now in his 10th season, and with an incredibly active market, Rins’ chances of staying on the grid next year appear remote.