The 2025 MotoGP season has been a challenging one for Enea Bastianini. Once a promising contender with Ducati, Bastianini now finds himself navigating a new path after losing his factory seat last year to Marc Marquez. This shift forced him into a fresh chapter with Tech3 KTM, a project that’s still finding its feet. Despite the obstacles, Bastianini’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Rival teams, notably Pramac Yamaha, are reportedly keeping a close eye on him as they consider reshaping their rider lineup for the future.
Bastianini’s journey this season paints a picture of both struggle and opportunity. While his results haven’t matched the highs from his Ducati days, his experience and skill still make him an attractive candidate in the MotoGP rider market. As manufacturers look ahead to 2026 and beyond, Bastianini’s situation offers insight into the complex dynamics of MotoGP team strategies and rider movements.
Bastianini’s Current Challenges and KTM Struggles
After losing his coveted factory Ducati seat to Marc Marquez in 2024, Enea Bastianini quickly signed with Tech3 KTM, a team that has undergone significant changes in recent years. While KTM has shown flashes of promise, Bastianini has yet to rediscover the consistent pace and form that defined his earlier career. His best finish so far this season is a seventh place at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, a respectable result but one that falls short of the expectations that accompanied his move.
One notable hurdle has been the presence of his teammate Maverick Viñales, who has often outperformed Bastianini, adding pressure to the Italian rider’s campaign. This internal competition within KTM has made it harder for Bastianini to shine, especially on a machine still evolving to compete with the front-runners.
Adding to the complexity, Bastianini remains under contract with KTM through 2026, which complicates any potential move to a new team. Despite this, his talent has caught the eye of other manufacturers, especially Pramac Yamaha, who see him as a potential asset.
Pramac Yamaha’s Interest and 2026 Rider Market Dynamics
Pramac Yamaha, a satellite team with close ties to the factory Yamaha outfit, is reportedly considering Bastianini as their ideal “reference rider” for their 2026 roster, according to reports from Sky Italia. This role would place Bastianini as a key experienced figure within the team, helping guide development while delivering consistent results on track.
Pramac Yamaha’s rider strategy is evolving as they seek to balance seasoned veterans with promising rookies. The team’s current lineup features Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, both of whom bring valuable experience from various manufacturers, including Ducati, KTM, Honda, and Aprilia. Miller’s strong fifth-place finish at the Americas GP has reinforced his credentials, while Oliveira has faced some setbacks due to injuries but remains a critical part of the team’s plans.
Despite their interest in Bastianini, Pramac Yamaha appears cautious about making immediate changes. They plan to assess Miller and Oliveira’s performances over the remainder of the season before finalizing decisions for 2026. This careful approach means Bastianini’s potential transfer to Yamaha is far from guaranteed, but the fact that he is in consideration shows his enduring value within the MotoGP paddock.
Beyond Bastianini, Pramac Yamaha is also eyeing other talent, including Toprak Razgatlioglu, the World Superbike champion who has teased a move to MotoGP. Razgatlioglu would fit Yamaha’s vision of pairing a rookie with a seasoned rider. Honda has also shown interest in Razgatlioglu, which could complicate Yamaha’s plans.
Additionally, Pramac Yamaha is monitoring Moto2 talents such as Ivan Guevara and Tony Arbolino, signaling their intent to invest in young prospects alongside experienced riders.
The 2025 MotoGP rider market is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and fluid in recent years. For Bastianini, the next steps in his career hinge on several factors: his performance on the KTM, the willingness of Pramac Yamaha to make room for him, and the broader market moves by rival manufacturers. As the season progresses, fans and insiders alike will watch closely to see if Bastianini can recapture his winning form and secure a coveted spot on a team with championship aspirations.
