Yamaha hands MotoGP promotion to Moto2 title contender
Guevara is the latest Moto2 star to step up to MotoGP ahead of Gonzalez (Copyright ©2026 Yamaha Motor Racing Srl)
Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Another domino has fallen in the 2027 MotoGP rider market with the news of Izan Guevara signing for Pramac Yamaha.
The Moto2 title contender replaces fan favourite Jack Miller whose departure from the satellite team was announced earlier in the day.
The 22-year-old Spaniard is the 2022 Moto3 world champion and currently sits second in the Moto2 standings, 42.5 points behind leader Manuel Gonzalez.
Guevara calls MotoGP promotion a ‘dream come true’
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In a statement, he said: "This is a dream come true for me. Reaching MotoGP has always been my goal, and I know how difficult it is to arrive in the premier class. It has taken many years of hard work and sacrifices from a lot of people around me.
"I want to thank Yamaha for the confidence they have shown in me. This opportunity is not only the result of my own efforts, but also of the support I have received from my parents, my team, my physio, and everyone who has helped me grow both as a rider and as a person.
"At the same time, I am very calm because my focus remains fully on Moto2. We are fighting for the championship, and my objective is to finish this chapter of my career in the best possible way.
"Looking ahead to 2027, I am excited by the challenge. MotoGP will enter a new era, and I think that will create opportunities for riders making the step up. My first goal will be to learn, adapt as quickly as possible, and work closely with the team. Then, step by step, I want to keep improving and reach the highest level possible."
Guevara will partner Razgatlioglu next season (©2026 Yamaha Motor Racing Srl)
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Yamaha explains why Guevara is ready for MotoGP
Yamaha’s managing director, Paolo Pavesio, praised the team’s academy, adding: "Izan's promotion to MotoGP is a great example of what the BLU CRU programme was designed to achieve. We have known Izan's talent for many years. The speed he demonstrated on his way to becoming Moto3 World Champion left no doubt about his potential. However, after two challenging seasons in Moto2, we made a mutual commitment around a year and a half ago to help him towards the ultimate goal of reaching MotoGP.
"Throughout that journey, Izan has shown exactly what we hoped to see. Beyond his unquestionable talent and speed, he has matured significantly as both a rider and a professional. His work ethic, determination, consistency, and ability to continuously improve have confirmed that he is ready to take the next step.
"It is exciting for Yamaha to welcome such a talented young rider into our MotoGP project. Developing the next generation of riders is essential for the future of our sport, and Izan represents exactly the kind of talent we want to invest in.
"With MotoGP entering a completely new technical era in 2027, we also believe the timing is ideal for a rookie to make the transition. Everyone will be facing the challenge of adapting to new regulations and new machinery, creating a unique opportunity for emerging talents to grow and establish themselves at the highest level. We look forward to supporting Izan as he begins this exciting new chapter of his career with Yamaha."
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Yamaha completely reshapes MotoGP line-up for 2027
Guevara will partner Toprak Razgatlioglu at Pramac, with the Turk excelling since moving over from WorldSBK.
Like Guevara in Moto2, he also brings Pirelli experience, which is seen as a huge advantage when they replace Michelin as the 2027 tyre suppliers.
As for Yamaha’s factory team, they have made sweeping changes with the departures of 2020 champion Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins.
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Jorge Martin comes in from Aprilia as the current championship leader, while Japanese talent Ai Ogura signs from Trackhouse.
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