Carlos Ezpeleta admits MotoGP teams are doing something ‘unusual’ with 2027 rider signings

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The MotoGP rider market has already produced some shocking moves for the 2027 season, which has taken aback Dorna chief Carlos Ezpeleta.

With almost all riders out of contract in 2026, the MotoGP rider market was set to be hectic, with the top talents looking to secure their new contracts.

Multiple deals are already said to be complete, with Pedro Acosta set to join Ducati from KTM. Fabio Quartararo has signed for Honda, while Aprilia’s Jorge Martin is replacing him at Yamaha in 2027.

Francesco Bagnaia is joining Aprilia, partnering with Marco Bezzecchi. Ducati teammate Marc Marquez is believed to have renewed his contract for 2027, yet none of these deals have been officially announced, much to the shock of Ezpeleta.

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Carlos Ezpeleta says it’s ‘unusual’ that MotoGP teams have signed their 2027 riders and not announced them

MotoGP teams have agreed to delay 2027 announcements until an agreement is reached with Dorna, now MotoGP Sports Entertainment, over the new Concorde Agreement.

While these negotiations are ongoing, moves are still happening for 2027. Fermin Aldeguer is off to VR46 from Gresini, while Maverick Vinales’ factory KTM contract is on hold after a tough start to the season.

This has left Ezpeleta slightly baffled, who has even admitted that he had no knowledge of teams signing riders and not announcing them, as he said to AS.

Asked about the transfers for next season, he said: “I am unaware of any team or factory that has a signed driver and is not communicating it.”

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When told about the moves, including Acosta and Quartararo, he replied: “There have already been some written agreements that have changed. That said, it seems unusual to have a signed contract and not announce it.

“We have to sign the agreement with the factories and the teams, and I think we’re very, very close to doing so. There won’t be much time left to finalise it. It looks promising.

“It’s clear that right now everyone is betting on spectacular growth for MotoGP. Everyone wants to be a part of it, everyone thinks it’s going to keep improving, but we also want all the parties involved in the World Championship to support that growth.”