Everything you need to know about the 2027 transfer market

While we often have to wait until the beginning of summer for the transfer market to become active in MotoGPThe decision-maker regarding the 2027 grid has already made some head start. Even before the first laps of the year at Sepang (Malaysia), rumors of major changes had already swept through the paddock. The reason for this early start? No fewer than 18 drivers are still without contracts for the following season, while the prospect of new regulations planned for 2027 could reshuffle the deck in terms of performance.

What we know…

At this stage, few things are certain. Most of the top riders are nearing the end of their contracts. Marco Bezzecchi is the only factory rider whose contract extension has been confirmed, his commitment to Aprilia spanning several seasons. At Honda, Johann Zarco and rookie Diogo Moreira have contracts until 2027, but it's unclear whether they will remain with LCR or move to the factory team, Honda HRC.

Finally, on Yamaha's side, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu signed a multi-year agreement with Pramac last summer, without disclosing its duration. He should therefore remain with the Iwata-based team next year. These few certainties leave nearly 80% of the grid still open.

The announcements are almost certain

Marc Márquez's promotion to Ducati is a done deal. Borgo Panigale has reiterated its intention to retain the services of the reigning world champion. The Spaniard himself confirmed this during the team presentation in January. "My first option is Ducati." The agreement, expected in the coming weeks, would allow the Italian firm to focus on recruiting its second factory rider, a highly coveted position. Fermín Aldeguer, whose contract runs until the end of 2026, is also expected to extend his stay with Ducati. Promised factory equipment, the rider from Murcia clearly embodies the future of the brand.

The other near certainty concerns a departure: that of fabio quartararoAfter seven seasons of ups and downs at Yamaha, the 2021 world champion seems to be on his way out, and rumors about his future continue to grow.

The cascading rumors

Speculation has been rife in the paddock since the first pre-season tests. The first rumor concerns the factory Yamaha seat, potentially vacant if Quartararo leaves. His position could be of interest to Jorge Martín. For the second time, the Madrid native is fueling rumors of leaving Aprilia: after having considered Honda last year, he is now reportedly on Yamaha's radar.
But why leave a competitive RS-GP for a struggling M1? Frustrated by a disastrous 2025 season, the reigning number one rider is eager to return to winning ways. Even if the 2027 regulations could shake things up, imagining Yamaha – currently the only manufacturer in Tier D – returning to the top is still a long shot.

The Madrid native's fate hinges on the announcement of Fabio Quartararo's almost certain departure, while the Frenchman is reportedly in active talks with HRC. Keen to remain at the helm of a project, Honda remains his most viable option. The brand's recent progress, now ranked C in dealerships, reinforces the project's viability, and while both sides are proceeding cautiously, they have confirmed that discussions are underway.

At Ducati, rumors are also swirling. For the second factory ride, two names are circulating: Bagnaia and Acosta. Since his arrival in MotoGP, the young Spaniard has been regularly linked with Ducati. When the factory seats were closed, he was expected to join the satellite team VR46. Valentino RossiToday, Bagnaia's difficult 2025 season contrasts with the impressive rise of the 'Shark of Mazarrón', who has even overtaken him in the championship.
Bagnaia, aware of the situation, acknowledged: "I'm continuing the discussions. I have many options." Is he one of the famous "Plans B, C, and D" Mentioned by Massimo Rivola for the second Aprilia factory ride? Nothing is certain, but the Italian will have to shine at the start of the season to stay in the race.

Potential surprises: Moto2 and Bulega as wildcards

The real surprises could come from elsewhere. The 2026 Moto2 season promises to be competitive, and several contenders dream of MotoGP in 2027. They have one advantage: the experience with Pirelli tires, the future sole supplier for the premier class from that date.

Daniel Holgado (Spain) and David Alonso (Colombia) impressed in their rookie year with the Aspar team, both winning last year. Manuel González (Spain), the 2025 runner-up, also remains highly sought after. He even participated in a MotoGP test with Trackhouse Racing at Jerez, replacing Ai Ogura. Finally, Barry Baltus (Belgium), third in the 2025 championship behind González and Moreira, will now be the leader of Fantic Racing following the departure of Aron Canet. With high expectations, he will be in discussions with MotoGP teams throughout the early part of the season, with the primary objective of securing his future in the premier class.

These talented riders, who shone brightly in 2025, will have to prove themselves under pressure. A slight advantage goes to the non-Spaniards: the MotoGP grid already boasts eleven Iberian riders out of twenty-two, an imbalance the championship organizers are keen to reduce. The first five Moto2 races of 2026 will therefore be crucial. It's worth noting that every newcomer to this championship will threaten several established positions in the premier class.

Finally, Nicolò Bulega appears to be Ducati's wildcard. Expected to be the favorite for the 2026 WorldSBK title since the departure of his main rival Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the Italian has been racking up tests on the 850cc bike for Borgo Panigale. Replacing Márquez for the last two rounds of the 2025 season, he impressed with his quick adaptation. Ducati will be monitoring him closely throughout the season to determine if he is ready to make the leap to MotoGP, possibly with VR46 or Gresini Racing.

In this game of chess where every move can change a lot of things, the 2026 MotoGP season promises to be as exciting behind the scenes as it is on the track.

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