The 2027 MotoGP era will kick off with these riders: KTM contracts nearing completion

During the final GP race before the summer break at the Sachsenring, the manufacturers and teams remained tight-lipped regarding the announcement of new rider line-ups for the 2027 season. Just over a week after the halfway mark, Honda – the last of the five manufacturers – finally announced its new signings for the premier class. In brief, precise confirmation statements, Moto2 rider David Alonso was first welcomed to HRC; minutes later, top-tier rider Fabio Quartararo was also officially announced as having signed for 2027.

LCR-Honda issued no further announcements, and for good reason: both Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira have contracts for 2027. Officially, the Frenchman and the Basilean are assigned to LCR. It would come as little surprise, however, if there were an internal reshuffle, with rookie Alonso partnering veteran Zarco.

Unofficially, only the positions at Tech3 remain to be filled

As things stand, 15 of the 22 MotoGP rider contracts for 2027 have been finalised. Of the seven vacant positions, five have been agreed in principle but not yet officially confirmed. Specifically: The plan for VR46-Ducati to field Fermin Aldeguer and Superbike dominator Nicolo Bulega is considered a done deal. Raul Fernandez remains with the currently highly successful Trackhouse team, joined by current KTM Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini.

Added to this is a spot on Paolo Campinoti’s Yamaha customer team. Alongside Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, home-grown Moto2 talent Izan Guevara is considered a shoo-in.

Tech3-Inhaber Günther Steiner mit Teammanager Nicolas Goyon

Foto: Gold and Goose

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That leaves the two positions at Tech3. Only KTM and Tech3 boss Günther Steiner are currently still in negotiations. The candidates are the two Moto2 heroes from the German Intact GP team – championship leader Manuel Gonzalez and Senna Agius – as well as the experienced Luca Marini.

Experience – according to Günther Steiner – is a key criterion for at least one of the two riders at the start of the 850cc era. According to SPEEDWEEK.com’s sources, negotiations with Valentino Rossi’s half-brother are still dragging on, but the Italian is the preferred candidate for a move to the French KTM camp.

Luca Marini ist einer von drei Kandidaten bei KTM-Tech3

Foto: Gold and Goose

If an agreement is reached with Marini, who is currently a Honda factory rider, the decision on the final vacant MotoGP seat for 2027 will come down to a choice between Gonzalez and Agius. Despite a clear lead in the World Championship and an impressive GP track record, all the signs point to the younger Australian, Senna Agius, having the best chance of promotion to MotoGP.

Once these decisions have been made, everything else regarding the line-up for the premier class will be a mere formality. However, the transfer window is not yet closed. The battle for the most promising positions in the feeder series, Moto2 and Moto3, will continue until the end of the year.

2027 MotoGP grid: