The MotoGP 2026 rider crew chiefs are set for another pivotal season, as the series kicks off on March 1 with the Thai Grand Prix, marking the close of the 1000cc era and a period of stability before major rule changes arrive in 2027. With most riders locked into their contracts and minimal team changes, the spotlight remains on established pairings and a handful of noteworthy adjustments among factory and satellite teams.
Summary of 2026 Team Structures and Changes
The 2026 championship represents the last chapter of the current regulations before sweeping updates reset the competitive landscape the following year. The relative calm in rider contracts has resulted in consistent rider-crew chief duos across most teams and manufacturers. However, some alterations, particularly within KTM and Tech3, promise to influence performance outcomes as teams look to optimize results in this transitional year.
Stable Line-up for Ducati Lenovo Team
Ducati Lenovo’s dominant line-up, which shone throughout the 2025 season, remains unchanged, reinforcing the team’s pursuit of back-to-back titles. Marc Marquez extends his partnership with Marco Rigamonti; the pair quickly developed chemistry last season—a collaboration that yielded an impressive 11 grand prix wins, 14 sprint race victories, and a runaway championship. Marquez had arrived from Honda, where he worked with Santi Hernandez, before moving to Gresini with Frankie Carchedi in 2024, but the Rigamonti partnership delivered instant results.
Alongside, two-time world champion Pecco Bagnaia continues to rely on the expertise of long-standing crew chief Christian Gabbarini—an alliance Ducati believes will help the Italian reclaim his previous form after a tough 2025 campaign.
Aprilia’s Steady Foundations
Aprilia Racing continues to build on its most successful MotoGP year, sticking with the same rider and crew chief combinations for 2026. Marco Bezzecchi works alongside Francesco Venturato, who previously engineered Maverick Vinales, with the pair tallying three grand prix wins in their first year together. Jorge Martin, moving from his title-winning Pramac squad, keeps his trusted ally Daniele Romagnoli as crew chief, giving him familiar support as he seeks stability following a challenging 2025 season.
Significant Crew Chief Switches at KTM
KTM Factory Racing’s primary change is the arrival of Phil Marron as Brad Binder’s crew chief, replacing Andres Madrid after management suggested the former partnership had plateaued. Marron, renowned for guiding Toprak Razgatlioglu to multiple World Superbike crowns, brings valuable pedigree and a fresh dynamic to the garage. Binder seeks to recapture his best form with this new support system, while Pedro Acosta retains Paul Trevathan, maintaining a relationship that has produced steady results.
Refined Approach for Factory Yamaha
The 2026 season ushers in a new era for Yamaha as it introduces its first V4 engine in modern premier class racing. The Japanese marque is banking on continuity: Fabio Quartararo strengthens his long-running association with respected crew chief Diego Gubelini. Meanwhile, Alex Rins once again pairs up with experienced engineer David Munoz—an arrangement that leverages shared history and technical consistency.
Honda HRC Maintains Stability
Honda HRC, aiming for increased competitiveness, has opted for continuity as well. Luca Marini and Christian Pupulin stick together, hoping their collaboration aids Honda’s resurgence. Joan Mir, another key element of Honda’s rebuilding efforts, continues to work closely with Santi Hernandez, who previously achieved great success alongside Marc Marquez.
Gresini Ducati Embraces Momentum
Fresh off a historic second-place finish in the 2025 world championship, Alex Marquez will once again join forces with Donatello Giovanotti for Gresini Ducati. Fermin Aldeguer, after a breakout rookie season, is set to continue his development with the guidance of Frankie Carchedi, whose crew chief experience is expected to support Aldeguer’s ambitions for the year ahead.
VR46 Ducati Duo Remain Unchanged
At VR46 Ducati, the tried-and-true partnerships endure for 2026. Fabio Di Giannantonio teams up for another year with Massimo Branchini, while Franco Morbidelli sticks with Matteo Flamigni. These established relationships are designed to ensure stability and maximize the team’s prospects.
Trackhouse Aprilia’s Cohesive Partnerships
Trackhouse Aprilia looks to capitalize on its first-ever team victory with Raul Fernandez, sticking with crew chief Noe Herrera—underlining the value of cohesion after success. Ai Ogura will also continue to be guided by Giovanni Mattarollo for his second year, seeking to build on his rookie foundations.
LCR Honda’s New and Continuing Pairings
Johann Zarco, building on a milestone 2025 win for LCR Honda, remains committed to working with David Garcia. Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira will debut as a MotoGP rookie, supported by Klaus Nohles—the former crew chief of Somkiat Chantra—as he acclimates to the top class.
Transformations at Tech3 KTM
A major overhaul arrives at Tech3 under new owner Guenther Steiner, previously known for his time with the Haas F1 team. Enea Bastianini, who faced a difficult campaign last season, receives new technical direction as Andres Madrid transitions from working with Brad Binder to become Bastianini’s crew chief. Maverick Vinales, steadying his own trajectory, continues to work with Manu Cazeaux, a partnership that aims to balance change with familiarity.
Pramac Yamaha’s High-Profile Addition
Pramac Yamaha welcomes three-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu for 2026. Though unable to bring Phil Marron with him, Razgatlioglu will look to experienced crew chief Alberto Giribuola for technical support. Meanwhile, Jack Miller retains his partnership with Giacomo Guidotti, ensuring continued collaboration and guidance.
Team-By-Team List of 2026 Rider and Crew Chief Pairings
Below is the compiled overview of MotoGP 2026 rider crew chiefs across all teams:
Ducati Lenovo Team
Marc Marquez – Marco Rigamonti
Pecco Bagnaia – Christian Gabbarini
Aprilia Racing
Marco Bezzecchi – Francesco Venturato
Jorge Martin – Daniele Romagnoli
KTM Factory Racing
Pedro Acosta – Paul Trevathan
Brad Binder – Phil Marron
Factory Yamaha MotoGP
Fabio Quartararo – Diego Gubelini
Alex Rins – David Munoz
Honda HRC
Luca Marini – Christian Pupulin
Joan Mir – Santi Hernandez
Gresini Ducati
Alex Marquez – Donatello Giovanotti
Fermin Aldeguer – Frankie Carchedi
VR46 Ducati
Fabio Di Giannantonio – Massimo Branchini
Franco Morbidelli – Matteo Flamigni
Trackhouse Aprilia
Raul Fernandez – Noe Herrera
Ai Ogura – Giovanni Mattarollo
LCR Honda
Johann Zarco – David Garcia
Diogo Moreira – Klaus Nohles
Tech3 KTM
Enea Bastianini – Andres Madrid
Maverick Vinales – Manuel Cazeaux
Pramac Yamaha
Jack Miller – Giacomo Guidotti
Toprak Razgatlioglu – Alberto Giribuola
What These Changes Mean for MotoGP’s Final 1000cc Season
The 2026 season stands as a pivotal year, with MotoGP 2026 rider crew chiefs providing crucial support to riders as teams aim to build momentum before regulations shift in 2027. Veterans like Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia continue to rely on established partnerships, while rising stars such as Fermin Aldeguer and Diogo Moreira look to seasoned engineers for guidance. This blend of stability and careful change is expected to give continuity a premium, while a few bold new pairings could prove decisive as the competitive order is tested one last time under the current rules.
The crew chiefs in the MotoGP class for 2026 🧑🏫 pic.twitter.com/u7PHVlynSh
— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 12, 2026
