Carlo Pernat says Jorge Martin’s Yamaha move is ‘economic’ and made with retirement in mind

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Why Jorge Martin’s Yamaha move has raised questions

With Jorge Martin expected to join Yamaha, Carlo Pernat has suggested that money was the key factor behind the move.

Martin will link up with Yamaha in 2027, meaning the 2026 season will be his final year with Aprilia. Despite still being among the top riders in MotoGP, his decision surprised many people.

One of those reasons is that if he wins another world championship, he will take the number one plate to Japan for 2027. But until then, Bezzecchi must fend off Martin once more in a title battle.

This is arguably Bezzecchi’s biggest test so far as an Aprilia rider and his toughest opponent yet, but beating him would cement him as one of MotoGP’s best riders on talent alone.

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Carlo Pernat thinks Jorge Martin signed with Yamaha to retire

Speaking to Fanpage Italia, Carlo Pernat shared his thoughts on Jorge Martin’s decision to join Yamaha in 2027.

Pernat said that Martin probably looked at his injury history and lengthy career, then decided he no longer had what it took to compete at the top level. The financial side of the Yamaha offer sealed it for him.

“He did it before anyone else, when he already knew certain dynamics. Put yourself in his shoes: numerous injuries, an already challenging career, and a huge financial proposition.

“It was more of an economic than a technical choice. Yes, he might have some doubts today… but let’s say he’s ‘eating his hands with caviar.’ It’s a bad thing to say, but he’s going to Yamaha to retire.”

Not long ago, Martin was claiming he was better than Bezzecchi. But now, it seems the Spaniard is feeling the effects of age and experience catching up with him in MotoGP.

Carlo Pernat thinks Jorge Martin has an edge over Marco Bezzecchi due to experience

Despite Martin’s injury problems, Carlo Pernat still believes his previous title win gives him an advantage over Bezzecchi.

Speaking in an interview, he said: “Honestly, I didn’t give him any credit… Anyone who says they expected this is lying… Maybe just his chief mechanic, but more out of a question of trust and respect.

“Martin is going really fast and perhaps has a better chance of winning the title than Bez because the Spaniard already knows how it’s done.”

And as things stand, Aprilia won’t use team orders for Martin or Bezzecchi until one of them is mathematically eliminated from the championship race.

With so little between them in the standings right now, that moment probably won’t come until much later in the season.

This means both riders will be battling hard for most of the year, which could make things tricky for Aprilia leadership.

Read more:

• Why Izan Guevara is the rider Pramac Yamaha is eyeing for 2027
• Aleix Espargaro recalls what surprised Maverick Vinales about Aprilia after leaving Yamaha
• Mick Doohan has a theory about why Francesco Bagnaia isn’t as ‘dominant’ as he used to be