Marco Bezzecchi
The chaos of the MotoGP rider market in 2026 has sparked discussion about the need to regulate dealings between teams in the sport.
With the current contract cycle coming to an end in 2026, many teams have been looking to tie down their riders ahead of the new regulations in 2027. Aprilia have extended Marco Bezzecchi’s contract, while Marc Marquez is set to renew with Ducati.
However, with almost everyone out of contract in 2026, the MotoGP rider market has thrown up several rumours about where people will end up in 2027, even before the start of the current season.
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Fabio Quartararo is rumoured to be joining Honda, while Jorge Martin is set to replace him at Yamaha. It has long been reported that Pedro Acosta is heading to Ducati, partnering with Marquez.
With riders doing deals with rival teams and factories, it is bound to unnerve their current outfits as they have a full season with them, knowing that they will be leaving at the end of it. It has led to some suggesting that MotoGP should have its own transfer window.
Massimo Rivola is ‘in favour’ of MotoGP implementing a rider transfer window
Similar to football, the proposal would see riders sign contracts with other teams only during select periods of the season. This would prevent any conflict between the two parties, plus it would give riders the perfect chance to assess their options as the season plays out.
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola was asked by journalist Giovanni Zamagni about the idea of MotoGP having a transfer window, and he is ‘in favour’ of the proposal.
Does MotoGP need to introduce a transfer window?
He said via Zamagni’s YouTube channel: “I agree. It’s a proposal that, if I remember correctly, Davide Brivio made several years ago, and yes, I agree.
“And not only should a window be found, but I think the contracts should also be deposited, a bit like what is done elsewhere, as a sort of guarantee.
“Yes, even if you have a window, it’s not certain that you can’t negotiate first, but signing a contract and announcing it is definitely a different thing. So yes, I’m in favour.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Aprilia from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
What do other MotoGP bosses think about a transfer window for the rider market?
Lucio Cecchinello, Gino Borsoi, Paolo Pavesio, Davide Brivio, Uccio Salucci and Mauro Grassilli were also asked to give opinions on the proposal. The LCR, Pramac, Yamaha, Trackhouse, VR46 and Ducati chief, respectively, all had similar verdicts.
All of them agreed that the idea was something that needed to be looked at. Borsoi and Pavesio pointed out that riders signing contracts with rivals before the new season has started is an uncomfortable situation.
Brivio does not think a transfer window is ‘essential’ to MotoGP, but he stressed that it would not be a ‘bad thing’, as riders could have ‘second thoughts’ about signing a deal too early. They may realise that their new team may be about to regress in performance.
Cecchinello, Salucci and Grassilli also stated that it could be worth looking into something like a transfer window, but they all pointed out potential limitations.
Cecchinello and Salucci said a transfer window would not stop riders and teams negotiating months in advance, as is commonly seen in football. Grassilli felt it would be ‘very difficult’ to implement such a system and get other teams to support it.
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