As of January 22, only a small number of MotoGP riders currently have contracts extending through to the end of the 2027 season. Notably, none of these riders are factory team members. Presently, Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira, both affiliated with HRC and riding for LCR, are contracted through 2027, while Toprak Razgatlioglu of Pramac holds a multi-year deal. Ahead of the season opener in Thailand on March 1, all factory team seats remain open for the new regulation cycle starting in 2027. Reigning champion Marc Marquez, speaking at Ducati’s launch, anticipates that major signings from key rider markets will be finalized before the Thailand race.
Crash Net analyzed the major free agents of the year and grouped them into three categories based on their market standing, suggesting that the choices of currently favored riders will influence the overall grid’s shape in 2027, with their contracts triggering a domino effect shaping other riders’ futures.
High Priority Contracts:
- Marc Marquez: The reigning world champion who excelled in 2025 with Ducati, winning his seventh title five years after an arm injury, is expected to stay with Ducati until at least 2028. His decisions will heavily impact rider movements, as shown in 2024 when his Ducati contract influenced Jorge Martin’s Aprilia deal.
- Pedro Acosta: Entering his third MotoGP season in 2026, Acosta remains highly sought after despite not winning a race yet. His performances in the latter half of 2025 demonstrated his potential, making a move to a top team almost certain. Rumors have linked him to becoming Marquez’s teammate at VR46 Ducati-Honda.
- Fabio Quartararo: Now in his eighth Yamaha season, Quartararo’s partnership with Yamaha is uncertain; no contract talks for 2027 have occurred. Yamaha’s planned switch to V4 engines in 2026 contrasts with Quartararo’s ambition to win, fueling speculation he might move to Honda, Aprilia, or Ducati.
- Marco Bezzecchi: After three wins and finishing third in 2025, Bezzecchi is a valuable asset Aprilia is keen to retain. However, other manufacturers are reportedly offering him lucrative deals, enhancing his market value.
Preferential Contracts:
- Pecco Bagnaia: After a disappointing 2025, Bagnaia may leave Ducati’s factory team but remains a two-time MotoGP world champion with appeal to other teams.
- Jorge Martin: Also struggling in 2025 due to injuries and contract issues, Martin might remain with Aprilia if he performs well; otherwise, opportunities with Honda could arise.
- Fermin Aldeguer: The young Ducati rider impressed with his rookie season win, but he may seek a factory bike by 2027, potentially drawing interest from rival teams.
Important Contracts:
- Alex Marquez: Had his best season in 2025 and likely will remain at Gresini Ducati, serving as insurance for Marc Marquez.
- Luca Marini: Honda values Marini’s development skills, and depending on the progress of rookie Diogo Moreira, Marini could either stay with Honda or move to LCR.
- Maverick Viñales: Returning to form with Tech3 KTM, Viñales might secure a vital role at KTM, though his age and inconsistent past temper his priority status.
Current 2027 Contract Confirmations:
- Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Racing) – Yamaha contract through 2027.
- Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) – HRC contract through 2027.
- Diogo Moreira (LCR Honda Idemitsu) – Multi-year HRC contract through 2028.
Fan Take:
This period is crucial for MotoGP, as key rider contracts and team alignments for 2027 will set the stage for an electrifying new era shaped by fresh regulations. Fans should watch closely as top talents’ decisions could dramatically alter team dynamics, rivalry intensities, and the overall landscape of the sport.
