Marco Bezzecchi
Yamaha could be in for significant changes in 2027 as they assess their options in the MotoGP rider market.
The Iwata outfit is at a critical stage as they roll out the V4 project for the 2026 season. The bike must be competitive, or they risk losing their star rider, Fabio Quartararo.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, the Yamaha rider line-up will be…
The 2021 MotoGP champion is losing patience with Yamaha as he struggles to fight at the front with slow machinery, finishing 9th in 2025. Quartararo has threatened to leave Yamaha when his contract expires in 2026.
Yamaha have made a ‘colossal’ offer to Quartararo to try and keep him beyond next year, but the 26-year-old may have already decided to leave amid links to Ducati. The MotoGP rider market is already in full swing, and Yamaha are already plotting moves of their own.
Yamaha are in a ‘well-advanced courtship’ with Enea Bastianini amid Francesco Bagnaia links
Yamaha could have an all-new rider line-up in 2027 as Quartararo looks set to be a big mover on the market. Teammate Alex Rins is under pressure to keep his seat beyond 2026 after poor results in the past few seasons.
Toprak Razgatlioglu would be the obvious option for a promotion if he performs well in his debut season with Pramac. But Yamaha are exploring riders outside their current pool.
Yamaha and Honda are interested in Francesco Bagnaia as he faces pressure to stay at Ducati. The Italian has long been linked with the Iwata outfit in 2025, but as per a report from MOW, the situation is ‘very tentative’ as he wants to stay in Borgo Panigale.
Francesco Bagnaia on his MotoGP future
But there is another option on the table. Yamaha are said to be in a ‘well-advanced courtship’ with Enea Bastianini, who could make the switch from KTM in 2027 when his contract expires.
Bastianini was linked with Pramac in 2025 as he tried to break his contract with Tech3. Dorna prevented the move, but the Italian was happy to jump ship if afforded the chance, and Yamaha could strike a deal for the Italian in 2027.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Enea Bastianini from net worth to career stats
Is Yamaha Francesco Bagnaia’s best option if he leaves Ducati?
It would appear that Bastianini is in a better position to join Yamaha than Bagnaia. The two-time MotoGP champion is in a tough situation as he fights for his future at Ducati.
He suffered a torrid campaign in 2025, finishing fifth in the standings with just two wins. Ducati will want to see improvements in 2026, but if Bagnaia is dominated by Marc Marquez again, the team could decide to cut ties.
Yamaha have dreamed of signing Bagnaia and would certainly not pass on the opportunity if he became available. The truth is that he may not have another option if his Ducati career ends.
Beating Marquez on the same bike is almost impossible, as 2025 has proved. A return to VR46 could be possible, but it is also plausible that Yamaha are a step ahead in 2027 and are the best option for Bagnaia to revive his career.
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