The MotoGP landscape is about to be completely reshaped in 2027, and the rider lineup is anyone's guess! A massive technical overhaul, including engine size changes, aerodynamic adjustments, and a tire switch, is shaking things up. But that's not all; the rider market is poised for a frenzy, with most contracts expiring at the end of 2026. Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the potential moves and the burning questions that will define the future of MotoGP.
For those new to the sport, MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, where the world's best riders compete on high-performance prototypes. The changes coming in 2027 are designed to enhance the racing, improve safety, and potentially level the playing field. The shift from 1000cc to 850cc engines, along with the ban on ride-height devices, a reduction in aerodynamics, and the introduction of Pirelli tires, are all major adjustments.
So, who's already locked in for this new era? As of now, only a handful of riders have secured their spots on the 2027 grid. Let's take a look:
- Johann Zarco is confirmed to be racing for LCR Honda.
- Diogo Moreira will join Zarco at LCR Honda, stepping up to the premier class with a multi-year deal starting in 2026.
- Toprak Razgatlioglu, the World Superbike star, is making his MotoGP debut with Pramac Yamaha next season.
Razgatlioglu's move is particularly interesting. He'll be hoping to leverage his knowledge of Pirelli tires, which are used in the World Superbike series, in 2027. Could he be joined by his WorldSBK rival, Nicolo Bulega? Bulega is already under a Ducati MotoGP testing contract alongside his Superbike duties in 2026, and a move to MotoGP the following year is a strong possibility.
Meanwhile, Fermin Aldeguer of Gresini is expected to have his 2027 option picked up by Ducati after some impressive performances.
But here's where it gets controversial... technically, none of the factory teams have officially signed any riders for 2027. This includes reigning champion Marc Marquez, whose current factory deal with Ducati runs through the end of the 2026 season. Will the eight-time World Champion commit to leading Ducati into this new era, or will he seek a new challenge?
Further complicating the picture is Francesco Bagnaia, whose 2025 season might influence his willingness to explore options with rival manufacturers. And what about other MotoGP champions like Jorge Martin (Aprilia), Joan Mir (Honda), and Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha)? Will they stay with their current teams, or will they seek new opportunities?
And this is the part most people miss... Jorge Martin already tried to leave Aprilia for Honda. Mir and Honda are finally gaining momentum, but Quartararo has hinted that his Yamaha future hinges on the competitiveness of its 2026 bike, which is expected to be a new V4.
Only KTM has shown a glimpse of its new 850cc engine, with manufacturers agreeing not to conduct track testing of the new machines until the end of the 2025 season. KTM's top priority will be to retain Pedro Acosta, who has already been linked with Ducati and Honda.
Here's a quick rundown of the 2027 contract situation for each rider:
2027 MotoGP Rider Line-up (So Far):
- Toprak Razgatlioglu: Prima Pramac Racing Yamaha (contract ends 2027)
- Johann Zarco: LCR Honda Castrol HRC (contract ends 2027)
- Diogo Moreira: LCR Honda Idemitsu HRC ('multi-year deal')
- Fermin Aldeguer: Gresini Racing MotoGP (Ducati contract ends 2026, with option for two further years)
- TBC: Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team - end of 2026)
- TBC: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team - end of 2026)
- TBC: Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing - "Multi-year contract" (2026))
- TBC: Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing - end of 2026)
- TBC: Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing - "Multi-year contract" (2026))
- TBC: Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing - "Multi-year contract" (2026))
- TBC: Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP - end of 2026)
- TBC: Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP - end of 2026)
- TBC: Luca Marini (Honda HRC - end of 2026)
- TBC: Joan Mir (Honda HRC - end of 2026)
- TBC: Fabio di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati - end of 2026)
- TBC: Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 - end of 2026)
- TBC: Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP - Gresini contract, end of 2026)
- TBC: Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Racing Yamaha - end of 2026)
- TBC: Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP - end of 2026)
- TBC: Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP - end of 2026)
- TBC: Maverick Vinales (Red Bull KTM Tech3 - "Multi-year contract" (2026))
- TBC: Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3 - "Multi-year contract" (2026))
What do you think? Which riders will make the biggest moves? Will the new technical regulations shake up the established order? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
