JORGE MARTIN SEEKS ACCESS TO 2027 APRILIA TEST DESPITE YAMAHA MOVE

Jorge Martin’s push to test Pirelli tyres for 2027 has added a new layer of tension as he prepares to leave Aprilia for Yamaha next season. With Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi staying put, Martin stands out in the current title fight because his 2027 switch changes the balance inside the Aprilia camp.

According to reporting cited by MotoGP News, Martin has “requested access” to a sensitive 2027 Aprilia test even though he is due to join Yamaha. The situation is tied to tyre development plans that have already sparked friction elsewhere: Fabio Quartararo was described as “greatly annoyed” that Yamaha did not allow him to test the 2027 Pirelli tyres on the team’s prototype 850cc machine at Brno in June. A further Pirelli test is scheduled after the Austrian Grand Prix, with both satellite and factory involvement, but Yamaha has again reportedly blocked Quartararo from participating ahead of his move to Honda.

For Aprilia, the decision on Martin is not straightforward. Allowing him to ride could give Yamaha a potential advantage if Martin were able to bring back technical information about the RS-GP27. At the same time, Aprilia’s leadership is said to be weighing how to protect its relationship with a rider who could still be their best route to challenging Marquez in the championship.

If Aprilia refuse, Martin would likely have to wait until after the season finale in Valencia to try the Pirellis—on a Yamaha rather than an Aprilia. The report also notes that other teams have permitted departing riders to test: Pedro Acosta, headed to Ducati, rode the KTM at Brno, while Honda invited current riders Luca Marini (Tech3) and Joan Mir (Gresini) to take part.