Jorge Martin will step into Fabio Quartararo’s seat at Yamaha for the 2027 MotoGP season, and there are plenty who believe Aprilia played a part in the Spaniard’s decision to leave.
The 2026 campaign is only just getting started, with the shakedown test underway in Sepang. But that was quickly overshadowed by news that Quartararo has agreed a two-year deal to join Honda from Yamaha starting in 2027.
The Frenchman lost patience after going winless since Germany in 2022. Now, he’s backing Honda to get things right under the new regulations.
Yamaha have wasted no time looking for a high-profile replacement. All signs point towards Jorge Martin as their top target, with both sides reportedly finalising a two-year deal that would see him leave Aprilia when his contract ends.
Aprilia’s delay in offering Jorge Martin a new contract convinced him to join Yamaha
Aprilia might have themselves to blame for Martin agreeing to replace Quartararo at Yamaha in 2027, as well. Motosprint reports that the ‘key’ factor behind Martin’s decision to switch teams after just one year in Noale was timing, with Yamaha prepared to move early for him.
“That could have cost Aprilia,” the report from Motosprint continues. “Yamaha made the first approach weeks ago, conscious of needing a Plan B if Quartararo didn’t stay. Now it is finalised and formalities should be completed soon.”
Martin signed for Aprilia ahead of the 2025 season after spending three years at Ducati, although his final campaign was spent on Pramac machinery. He finished second in consecutive MotoGP title races during his spell on Pecco Bagnaia’s Desmosedici GP25.
The 2024 runner-up then took up a new challenge at Aprilia but featured only sporadically throughout his debut term due to injury. Yet his short stint at Noale still impressed, even if he failed to complete every race he started as part of seven finishes over eight starts.
Now it seems he is bound for Yamaha as soon as next year if Valera gets what he wants and both parties agree on terms that would bring an end to Martin’s time with Aprilia after just one full season there – and the team will know exactly why he chose not to stay.
Aprilia’s hesitation cost them Jorge Martin
Timing played a big part in Jorge Martin’s decision to swap teams after just one year at Noale. While Aprilia were willing to wait before offering him a new deal, Yamaha were prepared early and moved quickly.
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola stated that the team wanted time before discussing an extension with Martin. After an injury-hit campaign saw him start seven of eight races entered last year, Aprilia felt more time was needed before making any long-term decisions.
While Aprilia waited for him to fully heal from those injuries before making any commitment beyond this year, Yamaha had already begun talks. With Quartararo now gone, those talks have accelerated further forward as both parties look forward beyond 2026. Valera wants Jorge’s situation settled as soon as possible so he can focus fully on his recovery and return.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
