The 2027 MotoGP rider market is taking shape with a series of rider announcements confirming several high-profile moves, while another significant deal continues to gather momentum despite not yet being officially announced.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has confirmed one of the strongest rider lineups on the grid, with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez set to lead the Austrian manufacturer’s factory effort from the 2027 season.
Both riders arrive after impressive spells aboard Ducati machinery, bringing race-winning experience to KTM as the manufacturer looks to re-establish itself as a consistent championship contender under MotoGP’s new 850cc technical regulations.
The move thus sees longtime Red Bull KTM rider Brad Binder now looking for a job, while Pedro Acosta was already confirmed at Ducati to partner Marc Marquez in place of the Aprilia-bound Pecco Bagnaia, who will team with Marco Bezzecchi.
Gresini Ducati has also finalized its 2027 lineup, signing Joan Mir alongside MotoGP rookie Dani Holgado. Mir, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion with Suzuki, joins the independent Ducati squad following his stint with Honda, while Holgado steps up after making a strong impression during his two Moto2 campaigns.
The remaining major question surrounds Fabio Quartararo, although his announcement as a replacement for Mir in the factory Honda HRC Castrol team is just a matter of time. Yamaha has already stated Trackhouse Aprilia’s Ai Ogura and Aprilia Racing’s Jorge Martin will team up in blue for next season.
Quartararo’s teammate remains unknown, as Holgado’s current Moto2 teammate, David Alonso, has already signed a long-term HRC contract. He will either be placed with the factory team or the LCR Honda team, with Diogo Moreira promoted to factory status alongside Quartararo.
Much depends on LCR’s incumbent Johann Zarco, who suffered major leg injuries in a first-turn crash in Catalunya and has yet to return to action. Should he not return, an extra Honda will need a rider at LCR.
Neither Honda nor Quartararo has publicly commented on the reports, but multiple sources indicate that an agreement has been reached, with an announcement expected later this season.
Tech3 KTM has yet to finalize its rider lineup and has potentially four riders to choose from, including departing HRC rider Luca Marini, current teamster Maverick Vinales, and two Moto2 rookies, current teammates Manuel Gonzalez and Senna Agius.
VR46 Ducati will field current Gresini Ducati rider Fermin Aldeguer in place of Di Giannantonio, but the second seat currently occupied by Franco Morbidelli is rumored to be going to Nicolo Bulega.
Pramac Yamaha has Toprak Razgatlioglu on a multi-year deal and with Jack Miller not being retained for 2027, it seems the path is now clear for the team’s Moto2 rider, Izan Guevara, to step up to the big time.
As for Trackhouse Aprilia, its rumored 2027 lineup consists of Enea Bastianini and current rider Raul Fernandez. At this stage, there doesn’t appear to be any room on the 2027 grid for MotoGP veteran race winners Jack Miller, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Rins, Brad Binder and possibly Maverick Vinales.CN
