JORGE MARTIN TELLS YAMAHA CRITICS TO WAIT FOR THE 2027 BIKE

Jorge Martin has urged critics to hold off on judging his switch to Yamaha, insisting their opinions will look different once the 2027 machine is on track. Speaking to DAZN, the reigning world championship leader—currently riding for Aprilia—said he wants people to wait at least a year before drawing conclusions about the move.

Martin’s decision to leave Ducati for Aprilia was described by him as “hasty,” but he framed the Yamaha call as something he had “considered” more carefully. He noted that the timing of the announcement came with uncertainty: the deal became official at the start of July, even though the move had been known since the winter. He also pointed out that the context shifted before he could fully assess everything, including Aprilia’s rise in the pecking order and the fact Yamaha’s V4 had not yet made its fully-fledged debut when the decision was first set in motion.

The Spaniard also addressed why he felt compelled to act quickly, referencing the broader market movement that followed Fabio Quartararo’s departure for Honda. Martin suggested that by the time his contract ends, the story around his Yamaha move will be “very different.” For now, he said his focus remains on competing for titles rather than speculating about the future. “Right now I have a bike that allows me to compete for the world championship,” he said, adding: “I don’t want to focus on the future.” He also drew a parallel to his recent past, recalling how Aprilia had been “a disaster” two years earlier while he still found himself leading the championship.

Martin’s comments come as Yamaha has struggled to match the front of the grid over the past two seasons, but the 2027 regulations are expected to give the manufacturer a chance to make a major step forward. Martin believes that change will reshape perceptions, telling critics: “Next year or in two years, let people have their say.”

While Martin prepares for his Yamaha chapter, he is still in the Aprilia fight this season, entering the Silverstone weekend 22 points clear of teammate Marco Bezzecchi. With Bezzecchi having extended his contract, questions have been raised about whether Aprilia could show preferential treatment. Team boss Massimo Rivola has insisted the team will treat both riders equally until the end of the campaign, even though Martin’s relationship with the squad has been “fraught.” Martin himself said he trusts the people around him, telling DAZN: “I trust Aprilia and I trust Fabiano.” He added that technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini had told him at the start of the year he wanted “the Jorge of 2024 to be even better,” and Martin believes that goal is being achieved.