The scenario seemed unimaginable just a few weeks ago. Yet, after the German Grand Prix, Marc Marquez is now only 18 points behind Jorge Martin in the championship. A spectacular comeback that completely reignites the title race… and could already have consequences for Yamaha's future.
Because if Martin If the Japanese manufacturer were to let slip a championship it seemed to have in hand, it would inevitably be forced to ask itself a question: is its true leader for 2027 necessarily George Martin ?
Upon exiting Mugello, Marc Marquez seemed out of the running. Since then, the driver Ducati racked up a series of victories while George Martin managed more than attacked. As a result, the gap narrowed from over one hundred points to just 18 units before the summer break.
Si Marquez If he were to win an improbable tenth world title, the interpretation would inevitably be harsh for MartinNot because he had a bad season, but because he let slip a championship he could have controlled.
While all attention is focused on Martin, another driver continues to gain momentum. Ai OguraWinner at Assen, back on the podium at SachsenringThe Japanese driver has established himself as one of the revelations of the season. His consistency, speed, and composure are now impressing the entire paddock. To the point of perhaps becoming a strategic asset for Yamaha .
Car Ogura He combines several advantages: he is young, he knows Japanese culture perfectly and represents a formidable marketing lever for a manufacturer seeking to rediscover its identity.
Does Yamaha really have a choice to make for 2027?
However, to imagine Yamaha privilege Ai Ogura to the detriment of Jorge Martin It seems premature today. The manufacturer has invested heavily to attract the 2024 world champion, convinced that he can become the leader of its new project at the dawn of the 2027 regulations.
Nothing suggests, at this stage, that Yamaha plans to reconsider this choice. On the other hand, if Ogura continues its progress and confirms its status as a title contender, Martin He might quickly discover that he won't be arriving in a team entirely built around him.
That's probably where the real issue lies. If Yamaha regains a competitive level with the new generation of 850cc motorcycles, Jorge Martin will not only have to face Marc Marquez, Peter Acosta or the Ducatibut also managing a teammate capable of becoming a serious rival.
Recent seasons have shown that a factory team is no longer built around a single driver. Ducati demonstrated this with bagnaia and MarquezAprilia experienced it with Martin et Bezzecchi. Yamaha could experience the same situation.
The arrival of George Martin in Yamaha It remains, above all, a bet on the future. The manufacturer is counting on it to become world champion again with the new 2027 regulations. But if Ai Ogura continues its ascent at the current rate, Yamaha could quickly have two natural leaders. And that would ultimately be the best problem the Iwata brand could hope to have. MotoGP.
