For a few years now, most contracts have been closed in the same two-year cycle. It is not a written rule, it is something that has been synchronized naturally and that has led to the fact that, today, there are very few riders on the MotoGP 2026 grid who have their future closed. Of course, although there are no contracts signed or, at least, made public, a virtual grid is beginning to take shape in which we could see the arrival of new drivers, the departure of some classics, and the movement of several of the protagonists of recent years.
The first one expected to close his contract and make his continuity at Ducati official is Marc Márquez. Even if this is not the case, it seems that the entire market is waiting to see what the Spaniard does. As confirmed by himself and Davide Tardozzi on behalf of Ducati, the priority of both parties is to continue and that, in fact, they are close to doing so.
Who will be Marc’s teammate if, as expected, he extends his contract for another two seasons is the big question. Of course Pecco Bagnaia is one of the candidates, but he is not the only one. The Italian, who also seems to have received offers from other projects, could remain in the team, but could also be part of a movement in which we would have Acosta, Martín, Álex Márquez and Fabio Quartararo involved.
If Acosta is finally chosen by Ducati, Bagnaia sounds like a candidate to join Aprilia in Martín’s position, because Bezzecchi is one of the few riders who has a contract for 2027 and beyond. Martín, who is not clear that he intends to continue with Aprilia, is rumored to be at Yamaha to occupy a position that Fabio Quartararo would leave vacant in his brand at Honda. And, to finish off the five-way game, Álex Márquez would end up taking Acosta’s place at KTM.
In this way, five riders would move, three of them MotoGP World Champions. These are the movements that, a priori, seem closest to happening. Although, as we say, they are all subject to Marc renewing his contract with Ducati, and Bagnaia leaving the structure with which he has achieved two titles. If neither thing happens, everything would be more complicated.
In search of the desired contract: many candidates and few motorcycles
It is equally difficult to know what will happen with Mir, or with Marini, in the event that Quartararo becomes a Honda driver. In this case the situation is not so defined, and both Marini and Mir could seek accommodation, perhaps with Marini returning to the VR46 on a motorcycle that is quite valued. Both could even opt for that Gresini Ducati that, hypothetically, would be free if Álex Márquez goes to KTM.
To all this we must add the number of riders who are “pushing” from Moto2 and Moto3, who could end up making the leap, which would force some of the classics on the grid to be left without a place for 2027. It is still too early to know, but at the rate at which everything is progressing, it is possible that everything will begin to be decided in a cascade.
And we have not considered other options, such as a Raúl Fernández in the official Aprilia team, something that also sounds like it would make Bagnaia have to look for another accommodation. It is clear that the coming weeks and months are going to be entertaining in terms of movements.
Will we have half of the grid defined before the first race? Will contracts begin to be signed and made public so soon? It won’t take us long to find out.
