Ai Ogura will leave Aprilia satellite squad Trackhouse to join factory outfit Yamaha on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old, who is in just his second season in the premier class, won the most recent race at Assen ahead of his teammate Raul Fernandez.
The Aprilia RS-GP has been the bike to beat in 2026, upstaging Ducati and its Desmosedici.
Jorge Martin leads factory Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi while Ogura is fourth and a meagre nine points behind VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio on his Ducati.
Ogura’s logic is simple. A Japanese rider on a Japanese motorcycle is the ultimate combination.
“It’s true that I’m really excited for next year. I think everyone is. Especially for Japanese riders, it is really important to get a factory for a Japanese brand,” said Ogura.
“That’s my decision – and how good I will be on that bike, I don’t know. Nobody knows.
“What I’m going to do is just give my 100 percent on the bike as I do, as I am doing, as I did.
“We’ll see how it is, but for now there is not so much that I can speak about.”
Moving from a satellite squad to a factory outfit makes sense in most circumstances, but Yamaha has barely been a factor in recent years.
Fabio Quartararo brought Yamaha its last championship in 2021 and its last grand prix win at Germany’s Sachsenring in 2022.
Yamaha hasn’t scored a podium since 2025 when Quartararo ran runner-up to Gresini rider Alex Marquez at Jerez in Spain.
One-lap pace has not been lacking for the YZR-M1, but the bike’s ability to win races has not been there.
Next year, MotoGP will usher in new regulations that could flip the script, with engines reduced from 1000cc to 850cc as well as aerodynamic changes to the bikes.
MotoGP points leader Martin will join Ogura at Yamaha next year on a two-year deal.
Despite his success with the Italian manufacturer, Martin has long tried to sever ties with Aprilia.
Like Ogura, Martin offered only a glimpse into his decision-making process.
“I always make the decisions that are better for me and my family,” said Martin of his decision to join Yamah.
“Honestly speaking, I have a really good opportunity with Aprilia, a big challenge ahead, and I’m really focused on the moment.
“For sure, we will see in the future what comes for me with this new machine, but at the moment I am focused on this project.”
MotoGP continues at Germany’s Sachsenring on July 12 (AEST).
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