Despite Jorge Martin’s high profile in MotoGP, industry insiders highlight that the true focal point of the MotoGP rider market 2026 lies with KTM’s uncertain future in the sport. Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, has expressed a desire to leave Aprilia after a season marred by injury, during which he participated in just a single grand prix. However, according to experienced rider manager Carlo Pernat, the bigger story isn’t Martin’s contract status but rather what will happen with KTM moving forward.
“It will not be the Martìn case that will make the market,”
Pernat shared with MOW Mag.
He emphasized that the entire grid could face major upheaval depending on KTM’s next steps, stating that the market’s full impact hinges on the manufacturer’s plans. If KTM continues with four bikes in 2026, minimal changes are expected. But if the scenario shifts to KTM maintaining only two bikes and Tech3 switching to Honda, the rider market could experience significant seat shuffling.
Potential Changes in Team Alignments and Rider Contracts
Herve Poncharal, who manages the Tech3 team, reportedly feels fatigued after many years at the helm and has attracted interest from investors for his squad. His current riders, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, hold contracts directly tied to KTM, alongside factory riders Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder. Pernat warns that KTM will ultimately shape the rider market given that many contracts pivot around its decisions.
“You understand that in this scenario KTM will make the market, because everything will depend on what happens there.”
—Carlo Pernat, Rider Manager
Acosta, considered KTM’s prized talent, has been linked to other teams, including Honda’s factory outfit and the VR46 Ducati squad. However, he remains contracted to KTM through 2026, with Spanish media reporting he is likely to stay next year despite his expressed impatience to achieve MotoGP championship success. The situation highlights the complex interplay of rider ambitions and contractual obligations within the KTM camp.
Financial Pressures Could Trigger Unexpected Opportunities
Although Tech3 plans to remain within KTM’s fold, the manufacturer’s financial struggles outside racing have fueled rumors and speculation about rider availability. Pernat suggests this fallout could bring unforeseen changes as coveted riders become suddenly accessible to other teams. Such shifts would reverberate throughout the MotoGP landscape, marking the 2026 rider market as one of substantial uncertainty and potential upheaval.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. It is unfortunate, but entertainment often appeals more to people than sports alone, and MotoGP aims to benefit from this trend. However, MotoGP currently lacks personalities capable of generating enough excitement to truly entertain.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is well-known for being the only person to win World Championships in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1 car racing. He showed equal skill and courage in both sports.
Q. Did F1 buy MotoGP?
A. Now that F1 and MotoGP are both managed by Liberty, they oversee two top global racing leagues. This change impacts how these sports are managed and marketed. Although the EU has approved the deal, concerns about creating a monopoly still exist.
Q. Is F1 faster than MotoGP?
A. A Formula 1 car reaches a thrilling speed of 205mph on the back straight at COTA. That’s incredibly fast. In comparison, MotoGP bikes can go even faster, hitting a remarkable 221mph. However, despite their higher speed, MotoGP bikes typically complete laps about 25 seconds slower than Formula 1 cars.
