While MotoGP’s commercial rights holder and the teams are still finalizing their new agreement – a deal that is expected to unlock the official announcement of next season’s rider market – 16 of the 22 bikes on the 2027 MotoGP grid already are settled.

Given how quickly the MotoGP market initially began moving ahead of next season, few would have imagined that at this stage of the year only one contract renewal would have been officially confirmed: Marco Bezzecchi’s extension with Aprilia, largely because the Noale manufacturer acted more impulsively than strategically.

Aside from the Rimini rider, the only seats currently secured beyond the end of 2026 are those of Diogo Moreira and Johann Zarco at Honda satellite outfit LCR, and Toprak Razgatlioglu at Pramac Yamaha.

The silence that followed Bezzecchi’s announcement stems from the manufacturers’ association (MSMA), which agreed not to publicize any new signings until negotiations with MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG), the championship promoter, are completed.

Manufacturers and teams alike believe it makes little sense to announce rider deals before the commercial framework for the coming years – including participants’ rights and obligations – is fully defined. In that regard, Motorsport understands Ducati and Honda have already approved MGPSEG’s proposal, with Yamaha, Aprilia and KTM expected to follow shortly.

Pedro Acosta

Once all 11 teams have signed, rider market announcements should emerge. A closer look across the paddock suggests that 16 of the 22 bikes already have been assigned riders. That leaves six seats still open, with Trackhouse and Tech3 the only two teams yet to finalize either side of their garages.

As things stand, four of the five factory teams appear to have completed their lineups.

Marc Marquez is already contracted to reigning champion Ducati through 2028, pending his recovery from the latest surgery on his right arm and his ability to continue competing at the level he demands of himself. Alongside him, the Bologna manufacturer is expected to place Pedro Acosta, widely regarded as the brightest young talent in the premier class.

Yamaha, meanwhile, reacted swiftly to Fabio Quartararo’s departure and secured Jorge Martin at the beginning of January. The Spaniard is set to partner Ai Ogura.

Quartararo is poised to spearhead the revamped project at Honda, which has not only reshuffled its rider lineup but also its management structure. After eight years as team manager, Alberto Puig is expected to step aside into an advisory role covering both MotoGP and WorldSBK activities.

David Alonso

On paper, David Alonso – currently racing in Moto2 with Aspar – should take the second factory Honda seat. However, Motorsport understands Honda retains the option to terminate the pre-agreement signed with the Colombian rider if it pays compensation estimated at around €1m.

At present, Alonso’s focus is on recovering from ongoing issues with his right shoulder, while HRC management continues to closely monitor his progress.

At Aprilia, two close friends are set to reunite: Bezzecchi and Francesco Bagnaia, who opted to join the Noale manufacturer instead of accepting Yamaha’s offer, which ultimately inspired less confidence.

KTM, meanwhile, is expected to pair Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio – the former is currently the runner-up in the championship with Gresini, and the latter is arriving from VR46.

Valentino Rossi faces key decision: Who will replace Fabio di Giannantonio at VR46?

Razgatlioglu will remain at Pramac, a project strongly backed by Yamaha boss Paolo Pavesio, while everything points to Izan Guevara joining the Turkish rider as Jack Miller’s replacement. The Australian may now be approaching the final chapter of a grand prix career spanning 16 years.

Joan Mir

Among the remaining independent teams, Gresini has secured Joan Mir, who will follow the same path Marc Marquez took in 2024 and is expected to partner Moto2 graduate Dani Holgado.

Fermin Aldeguer is set to join VR46 with full factory rider status and all the privileges that come with it. One of the biggest unresolved questions, however, concerns the identity of his team-mate. Several names remain in contention, including Nicola Bulega, Luca Marini and Celestino Vietti – the latter two being graduates of Valentino Rossi’s Academy.

Finally, attention turns to the two garages that still have no confirmed riders: Trackhouse and Tech3.

At Justin Marks’ Trackhouse squad, the plan is to secure Enea Bastianini, who is seeking to leave Tech3, while common sense suggests Raul Fernandez will ultimately renew his contract following his strong start to the season.

As for Tech3, which recently confirmed it will continue running KTM machinery, the situation remains wide open. Maverick Vinales, Brad Binder and Senna Agius are among the options currently being evaluated by Guenther Steiner.

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.