Marco Bezzecchi
The 2027 MotoGP rider market is already getting underway. The Valencia test earlier this month gave the field their first chance to sample next year’s machinery.
World champion Marc Marquez is naturally at the centre of the market, but both Pedro Acosta and Fabio Quartararo will also be fielding significant interest from multiple factories.
With that in mind, MotoGP News lays out a dream grid for the 2027 season from the fan perspective, starting with the title holders.
Ducati – Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta
Marquez has been linked with a return to Honda – the kind of narrative Liberty Media would relish. But a partnership with Acosta would generate even more hype.
Ducati know there may be tension between Acosta and Marquez, but they shouldn’t let that stop them from signing the symbolic heir to the throne.
Marc Marquez on his Ducati future
Gresini – Fermin Aldeguer and David Alonso
Fermin Aldeguer is a strong contender for the Ducati factory team, but a swoop for childhood rival Acosta would force him to stay at Gresini. Still, the Jorge Martin case shows he could still win on an up-to-date bike.
Luigi Dall’Igna is an admirer of David Alonso, the 2024 Moto3 champion who scored five podiums as a Moto2 rookie. Alonso should be ready for the premier class in 2027.
VR46 – Nicolo Bulega and Fabio Di Giannantonio
Nicolo Bulega feels destined for MotoGP after an impressive cameo as Marc Marquez’s injury replacement. VR46 is the obvious destination for Bulega, who used to be part of Valentino Rossi’s academy.
It will be tight between Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli in the fight for the second seat. It’s worth noting that VR46 are reportedly in talks with Aprilia, and a split from Ducati would certainly change the picture.
KTM – Alex Marquez and Maverick Vinales
Despite an excellent runner-up finish in 2025, Alex Marquez isn’t seen as a realistic contender for a promotion at Ducati. He should seek a factory seat elsewhere.
KTM have played down links to Marquez but it’s a move that makes sense, particularly if Acosta leaves. Maverick Vinales was supposed to replace Brad Binder before he got injured, and that move could happen if Vinales’ collaboration with Jorge Lorenzo delivers.
Aprilia – Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Quartararo
Marco Bezzecchi staying at Aprilia feels almost guaranteed after he became the team leader during Martin’s injury absence. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Bezzecchi was rewarded for his superb form with a swift extension.
Aprilia have moved for Quartararo already and they could tempt the Frenchman after building a bike that’s a borderline Ducati-beater. A head-to-head with this version of Bezzecchi would be mouthwatering.
Which bike will Fabio Quartararo be riding in 2027?
Yamaha – Francesco Bagnaia and Toprak Razgatlioglu
Francesco Bagnaia could replace Quartararo and relaunch his career after losing his way at Ducati. Yamaha’s interest in the two-time MotoGP world champion proves there are no short memories at Iwata.
The combination of Bagnaia and Toprak Razgatlioglu would be just as exciting as our proposed Ducati and Aprilia match-ups. The three-time WSBK champion is surely bound for the factory team in 2027.
Tech3 – Enea Bastianini and Brad Binder
Guenther Steiner may have grander plans for his team, but Enea Bastianini scored two podiums in his first year on the KTM and should be more consistent in 2026. Meanwhile, Brad Binder’s partnership with Phil Marron should unlock the version of the South African that fans have become used to during his MotoGP career.
KTM boss Pit Beirer on Brad Binder’s crew chief change
Trackhouse – Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez
Trackhouse are the only team on this list with an unchanged line-up – for good reason. Raul Fernandez is a MotoGP race-winner and could be in the conversation for an Aprilia factory seat, while Ai Ogura’s peaks as a rookie suggest that a solid career awaits.
As Ogura builds his experience and Fernandez becomes a more refined rider, this could be the strongest satellite duo on the grid.
Honda – Jorge Martin and Diogo Moreira
Aprilia’s interest in Quartararo may be a hint that Jorge Martin is still looking to leave after a false start in 2025. Honda are still interested in Martin and it will be a far more amicable exit this time.
2025 Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira has a factory option in his LCR contract, and he may end up in one of the most desirable seats on the grid.
LCR – Johann Zarco and Joan Mir
Along with Razgatlioglu and Moreira, Johann Zarco is under contract for 2027. A factory promotion seems unlikely if Honda enter the market for a big name, but he’s proven his value at LCR.
Joan Mir may have to give up factory status, but when he isn’t crashing, he has a slightly higher ceiling than Luca Marini, which may give him the edge in the battle to stay within the Honda set-up.
Pramac – Manuel Gonzalez and Luca Marini
Marini is revered for his feedback, and that may keep him in the premier class beyond the end of his Honda deal. Pramac could recruit him as an experienced guide to Manuel Gonzalez, this year’s runner-up in the second tier.
One of our Moto2 riders to watch in 2026, it’s worth remembering that Gonzalez nearly got the Pramac seat over Jack Miller. Miller and Alex Rins may not be able to afford another year of trailing in Quartararo’s wake.
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