MotoGP is set for a significant technical transformation in 2027, featuring a shift from 1000cc to 850cc engines, prohibition of ride-height devices, a reduction in aerodynamic components, and a switch from Michelin to Pirelli tires. Alongside these technical changes, substantial rider movements will reshape the grid, including the debut of five rookies.
Ducati:
At Ducati’s pre-season launch, Marc Marquez revealed he was close to finalizing a new two-year contract, which was officially confirmed shortly after the Brno race due to ongoing commercial negotiations between the manufacturers and MotoGP’s management. Meanwhile, Pecco Bagnaia is set to exit Ducati at the end of the season, with Pedro Acosta named as his successor. Additionally, Joan Mir and Dani Holgado will join Gresini Ducati, replacing Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer, with Mir riding a factory-spec bike. Aldeguer, under Ducati’s direct contract and currently with Gresini, will switch to VR46, joining WorldSBK competitor Nicolo Bulega.
Aprilia:
Shortly after Acosta’s signing by Ducati, Aprilia revealed a long-term four-year deal with Bagnaia, who will team up with Marco Bezzecchi. Later in the summer, Trackhouse Aprilia added Raul Fernandez to their lineup, with Enea Bastianini as his teammate.
Yamaha:
Following the Assen race, Yamaha said their goodbyes to Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins and announced Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura as their replacements. Before the Aragon round, it was also confirmed that Moto2 title hopeful Izan Guevara will take Jack Miller’s spot at Pramac, joining Toprak Razgatlioglu.
KTM:
Alex Marquez, who finished second in the 2025 championship with Gresini, returns to factory status with Red Bull KTM after leaving his rookie season at Repsol Honda. He will be accompanied by Fabio di Giannantonio, another satellite Ducati rider. HRC’s Luca Marini was the first confirmed signing for Tech3, with Moto2 winner Senna Agius joining as his teammate to complete the 2027 grid.
Honda:
In a surprise announcement at the Sepang Shakedown test, it was revealed that Fabio Quartararo had already signed a two-year deal with Honda before even riding the 2026 Yamaha V4. Honda formally announced the contract in July.
Notable Signings and Confirmations:
Marco Bezzecchi, Martin’s teammate at Aprilia, was the first factory rider officially signed for 2027. Only three riders began this year with guaranteed seats for 2027: Honda’s Johann Zarco and rookie Diogo Moreira (multi-year deal starting 2026), and Toprak Razgatlioglu with Pramac Yamaha.
Rookie Entrants:
Dani Holgado was the first rookie officially confirmed for 2027 at Gresini. Three additional rookies arriving from Moto2 carry the advantage of Pirelli tire experience. David Alonso, Holgado’s teammate at Aspar Moto2, will join Honda, but the exact pairing with Quartararo remains unclear. Razgatlioglu will share the grid with former WorldSBK rival Nicolo Bulega, who has been testing Ducati MotoGP bikes and will ride for VR46 Ducati, becoming its only Italian rider next season.
Departing Race Winners:
The arrival of fresh talent coincides with the exit of several established winners, including Maverick Vinales, Alex Rins, Franco Morbidelli, Brad Binder, and Jack Miller. With MotoGP eliminating wildcard entries next season, continuing as a test rider offers limited opportunities, but the switch to Michelin tires in WorldSBK might open top seats there for Miller, Rins, and Morbidelli.
Technical Updates on 850cc Engines:
KTM pioneered the 850cc engine debut, allowing Pedro Acosta to test it at Brno despite his impending move to Ducati. Honda followed a similar approach with Mir and Marini. Ducati stayed with their current riders Marquez and Aldeguer, Aprilia picked Fernandez and Bezzecchi, and Yamaha selected only Razgatlioglu to try the new machinery.
Below is the official 2027 MotoGP rider lineup along with contract details:
| No. | Rider | Team | Contract Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fabio di Giannantonio | Red Bull KTM | Multi-year deal |
| 2 | Alex Marquez | Red Bull KTM | Multi-year deal |
| 3 | Joan Mir | Gresini Ducati | Possibly till end of 2028 |
| 4 | Dani Holgado* | Gresini Ducati | Possibly till end of 2028 |
| 5 | Jorge Martin | Monster Yamaha | Till end of 2028 |
| 6 | Ai Ogura | Monster Yamaha | Till end of 2028 |
| 7 | Pecco Bagnaia | Aprilia Racing | Four-year deal till 2030 |
| 8 | Pedro Acosta | Ducati Lenovo | Till end of 2028 |
| 9 | Marc Marquez | Ducati Lenovo | Till end of 2028 |
| 10 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia Racing | Multi-year contract |
| 11 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | Pramac Yamaha | Yamaha contract till end of 2027 |
| 12 | Johann Zarco | Honda LCR | HRC contract till end of 2027 |
| 13 | Diogo Moreira | HRC or LCR | Multi-year deal (till 2028) |
| 14 | Fabio Quartararo | Honda HRC | Till end of 2028 |
| 15 | David Alonso* | HRC or LCR | Multi-year HRC contract |
| 16 | Raul Fernandez | Trackhouse Aprilia | Till end of 2028 |
| 17 | Enea Bastianini | Trackhouse Aprilia | Till end of 2028 |
| 18 | Luca Marini | Tech3 KTM | Possibly till end of 2028 |
| 19 | Fermin Aldeguer | VR46 Ducati | Ducati contract till end of 2028 |
| 20 | Izan Guevara | Pramac Yamaha | Possibly till end of 2027 |
| 21 | Nicolo Bulega | VR46 Ducati | Contract till 2027, option for 2028 |
| 22 | Senna Agius | Tech3 KTM | Possibly till end of 2027 |
*Rookies
Leaving MotoGP:
- Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha) – moving to Yamaha WorldSBK
- Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) – moving to BMW WorldSBK
- Alex Rins (Monster Yamaha) – possibly retiring
- Franco Morbidelli (VR46 Ducati) – likely joining Aruba.it Ducati WorldSBK
- Maverick Vinales (Tech3 KTM) – future plans unconfirmed
Fan Take:
This wave of technical changes and rider shuffles signals a new era in MotoGP, blending fresh talent with technological evolution that will redefine competition. For fans, this reshaping promises greater unpredictability and excitement, with rookies and veterans poised to battle on the transformed tracks and machines.
Source: www.crash.net
