Amid ongoing contract talks between MotoGP teams and Dorna Sports, many squads are holding back official announcements of rider signings for the 2027 season despite multiple agreements reportedly in place. This cautious approach comes as teams await resolution of a new commercial agreement that will govern competition from 2027 onwards.
The rider market for the upcoming 2026 and 2027 MotoGP seasons has already seen significant activity, with high-profile names securing deals ahead of the Thailand race. Marc Marquez, for instance, has signed a new contract with Ducati, with rumors suggesting Pedro Acosta will join him there from KTM starting in 2027. Francesco Bagnaia has committed to a four-year deal with Aprilia after reconsidering a move to Yamaha due to their V4 struggles. Meanwhile, Yamaha has agreed to terms with Jorge Martin, and Fabio Quartararo is expected to join Honda.
Teams Pause Rider Signings Publicity Amid Manufacturer Talks With Dorna
A report from Motorsport España sheds light on the silence surrounding official rider announcements for 2027. The Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA) – representing MotoGP teams – has been negotiating with Dorna, MotoGP’s controlling sports entertainment company, for nearly a year to finalize a new agreement akin to Formula 1’s Concorde Agreement. This pact governs financial distributions connected to MotoGP’s commercial rights, and current terms expire after 2026.
Because the new deal, covering 2027 to 2031, remains unsettled, teams explain they cannot make rider signings official as there is no binding confirmation on their participation in future competitions. According to Motorsport España, announcements that were expected by now have been postponed until the contract framework is secure. The ongoing talks took place during the Buriram test and are scheduled to continue shortly.
Potential Shifts in Manufacturer Alliances for Satellite Teams
Alongside team negotiations with Dorna, significant shifts could affect manufacturer affiliations, particularly among satellite teams. Sources suggest that VR46, Valentino Rossi’s racing outfit, may switch allegiance to Aprilia due to dissatisfaction with Ducati’s 2025 performance and the team’s results against rivals like Gresini. Rossi’s long-standing relationship with Yamaha also fuels speculation that VR46 could instead return to his former factory.
Aprilia aims to maintain its current rider lineup but faces challenges as rumors circulate of Trackhouse’s interest in Honda. Honda is reportedly looking to expand its satellite team presence by adding a second squad, which could induce changes in the manufacturer-satellite team landscape.
Implications of the Delay and What Lies Ahead
The postponement in formalizing 2027 rider contracts underscores the broader uncertainty looming over MotoGP’s immediate future, tightly linked to the outcome of the Dorna negotiations. This strategic hold affects teams, riders, sponsors, and fans alike, as clarity on the sport’s structure and funding streams remains pending. Once resolved, the new agreement will provide the framework for competition, financial stability, and rider market movements for the next five years.
Keeping teams in a holding pattern reflects the significance of commercial rights distribution to MotoGP’s ecosystem. Given the intense activity in the 2027 rider market already reported, fans can expect a rapid series of announcements once a new deal is confirmed, alongside potential manufacturer realignments and shifts within satellite team arrangements that could reshape the grid for the coming seasons.
A different World Champion, seven different winners…time for some sizzling hot takes ahead of the 2026 season! 🌶️🔮🏆 #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/L9iUFtVNTu
MotoGP™, Official Organization
A different World Champion, seven different winners…time for some sizzling hot takes ahead of the 2026 season! 🌶️🔮🏆 #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/L9iUFtVNTu
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) February 9, 2026
