Five moves that could happen in the 2026 MotoGP rider market including Francesco Bagnaia Ducati exit

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The 2026 MotoGP season will be the final year under the current regulations. It is also the last season of the current contract cycle, which could spark huge moves around the paddock.

MotoGP saw more than half of the grid move teams in 2025 as the previous contract cycle came to an end. Most riders signed two-year contracts, allowing for little movement to happen for 2026.

Jorge Martin’s contract dispute with Aprilia could have triggered a major shift in the MotoGP rider market. However, the Spaniard will not change teams in 2026, with most riders out of contract this year already having their futures decided.

Franco Morbidelli is set to stay at VR46, while Jack Miller will remain at Pramac in 2026. Johann Zarco and Luca Marini will retain their seats at Honda, while Diogo Moreira is set to replace Somkiat Chantra.

But the majority of riders on the grid are out of contract come 2026. Given the transfers that happened last year, the paddock could shake up some shocking moves for the 2027 campaign.

Fermin Aldeguer – Gresini to Ducati

Fermin Aldeguer is emerging as MotoGP’s best rookie in 2025. Scoring two podiums and sitting eighth in the standings, the 20-year-old is being tipped for the future.

The Gresini rider’s contract could see him riding a factory Ducati bike as soon as next season. Luigi Dall’Igna is thinking about Aldeguer wearing red in the future, and it may come sooner than expected.

If Francesco Bagnaia’s struggles continue, Ducati may have a reshuffle with their line-up and offer a seat to the Spaniard. Ducati are pampering and protecting Aldeguer as a future star, and he could get a shot in 2027 if he can keep up his impressive performances.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Fermin Aldeguer with his rise to MotoGP and height

Pedro Acosta – KTM to VR46

Pedro Acosta cannot leave KTM in 2026 as his contract does not permit an early exit. His frustrations with the Austrian outfit at the start of the year led to speculation that VR46 could sign him.

The Spaniard is beginning to score top results consistently at KTM, with two podiums in the last three races. He feels more relaxed and comfortable with the team, but Valentino Rossi and VR46 could wait to sign Acosta when his contract expires.

Uccio Salucci thinks Acosta will reject VR46 and favour a factory team, but besides KTM, he does not really have a realistic option for 2027. Rossi and a Ducati bike may be enough to lure him away from the Austrian team.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend

Jorge Martin – Aprilia to Honda

The most talked-about move of the 2025 season has been Martin to Honda. The Spaniard expressed a desire to join the Japanese giants after activating an exit clause in his contract.

Since the reigning MotoGP champion committed to Aprilia, he has seen that the bike is not as bad as he envisioned, finishing a stunning fourth in Hungary. However, his previous feelings about the Noale outfit and Honda’s interest will not simply go away within a few months of the situation changing.

Martin is Honda’s top target for 2027, and while Aprilia have a competitive bike, his head may already be turned for the next contract cycle. It is possible that a deal could already have been agreed, with teams preparing pre-deals for 2027.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend

Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati to Yamaha

Bagnaia has struggled immensely with the GP25 this season. He and Ducati are running out of answers to his problems as Marc Marquez dominates the championship.

It has led to stunning rumours that he could leave the Borgo Panigale outfit. Bagnaia was linked with a shock move to Yamaha, but Ducati have insisted that they want to keep the Italian.

Bagnaia played down the rumours, but Yamaha could be a chance for the 28-year-old to beat Marquez, as it is impossible to do so on equal machinery. A change of manufacturer could be the answer, especially when Ducati could lose patience in Bagnaia if his results do not improve.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number

Fabio Quartararo – Yamaha to Aprilia

Yamaha are at a critical point in MotoGP as they risk losing star rider Fabio Quartararo. The 2021 MotoGP champion is losing patience with the manufacturer as they struggle to provide him with a competitive bike.

Quartararo has threatened to leave Yamaha if the V4 bike cannot produce results within the opening rounds of 2026. The new machine will be introduced at Misano in 2025, which will give the 26-year-old time to assess what he will be working with.

If he is dissatisfied with the bike, fans see a perfect route for Quartararo to join Aprilia if Martin decides to jump ship. They were previously interested in the Frenchman, and they could have a bike that can challenge Ducati come 2027.