Yamaha signs MotoGP star Jorge Martin for 2027 factory lineup

Yamaha announced that Spanish MotoGP rider Jorge Martin will join its factory team starting in 2027. Martin, who leads the world championship at the midway point of the current season, is praised for his speed, consistency and race‑winning record with both satellite and factory teams, including Aprilia. Yamaha hopes his one‑lap pace will boost the team's points tally, though concerns remain about the competitiveness of the upcoming YZR‑M1 package and potential friction due to Martin’s outspoken history with former employers.

Separately, a retrospective review highlighted Yamaha’s 2005 YZ250 motocross bike, noting its aluminum sandwich frame that saved over four pounds, new Kayaba forks, and a powerband that remained unchanged from the 2004 model. The article contrasted the YZ250’s broad torque delivery with its rival Suzuki RM250, underscoring Yamaha’s continued investment in two‑stroke technology despite a market shift toward four‑stroke machines.