Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP satellite teams are in the midst of contract negotiations with manufacturers and the sport to maintain their place on the grid, but how do these relationships work and what are the current deals in place?
Satellite teams, also known as independent teams, are privately owned teams who lease or buy MotoGP bikes from manufacturers. In 2026, there are five manufacturers on the grid: Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Honda and Yamaha.
Six satellite teams (Gresini, VR46, Trackhouse, Tech3, LCR and Pramac) make up the 11-team strong MotoGP grid.. While they are not funded by manufacturers, they can be technically supported with upgraded machinery.
Marc Marquez predicts the 2027 MotoGP grid! Which moves do you disagree with? 🔮
Let us know in the comments below!
From 2027, MotoGP owners Liberty Media have reached an agreement with IRTA (the International Road-Racing Teams Association) that will see satellite teams be put on the same level as the MotoGP factories. In theory, they would be able to design their own chassis.
However, there is no talk of that just yet, with MotoGP teams currently negotiating with Dorna over the next Concorde Agreement. It will secure their spot on the grid, as well as the bikes they will use, and there are multiple rumours surrounding their futures.
With that said, MotoGP News has looked at every satellite teams’ current contract and what reports are saying about their plans for 2027 and beyond.
Ducati satellite team contract details
- Gresini’s Ducati satellite contract expires: End of 2026
- VR46’s Ducati satellite contract expires: End of 2026
Ducati are the only MotoGP factory to have multiple satellite teams. Their line-up was cut from eight bikes to six in 2025 after Pramac left for Yamaha, with Gresini and VR46 staying on board.
Gresini have been with the Borgo Panigale outfit since 2022, having had long spells with Honda and Aprilia in the past. Nadia Padovani’s team enjoyed their joint-best ever season in MotoGP in 2025, finishing second in the standings.
You’re Gresini: Which MotoGP bikes do you run with in 2027 – Ducati or Honda?
With their contract with Ducati expiring at the end of 2026, rumours are rife about the team’s future. Tension has been sparked between Gresini and Ducati as the factory could price them out of factory bikes in 2027, and junior talent Fermin Aldeguer is being moved to VR46.
Gresini have been heavily linked with a return to Honda and Aprilia for 2027 as negotiations wear on. Ducati want to keep the team on board, but the friction could lead to an exit.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Gresini from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
After Pramac’s exit, VR46 became Ducati’s second-in-command, receiving factory support in 2025. They have been with the Borgo Panigale outfit since they joined the sport in 2022, but the team, owned by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, finished behind Gresini last year in third.
Despite talks with Aprilia over a move next year, it is understood that VR46 will sign a new five-year deal with Ducati, which will see them run with Desmosedici bikes until at least 2031.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Valentino Rossi’s VR46 from current riders to bike
Aprilia satellite team contract details
- Trackhouse’s Aprilia satellite contract expires: End of 2026
Trackhouse signed a three-year contract with Aprilia when they joined MotoGP in 2024. The American team have slowly built their way up to the front of the premier class, securing their first win and podium at Phillip Island in 2025, courtesy of Raul Fernandez.
In 2026, thanks to Aprilia’s surge with the RS-GP, Trackhouse are in a strong position to fight at the front. However, there are doubts about their future, with owner Justin Marks open to selling the team.
Trackhouse have been linked with Honda as they look to have six bikes on the grid in 2027. However, Aprilia want to keep Trackhouse within their line-up, with their contract expiring at the end of 2026.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Trackhouse including the MotoGP team’s riders
KTM satellite team contract details
- Tech3’s KTM satellite contract expires: End of 2026
After a 20-year association with Yamaha, Tech3 joined KTM in 2019, acting as their junior team to nurture the Austrian outfit’s young talent. In 2024, they reverted to a factory outfit alongside the KTM Factory team, with Pedro Acosta being a star talent they produced.
In 2026, the French outfit are under exciting new ownership, with Herve Poncharal selling Tech3 to former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner. Already, he is in talks over leaving KTM.
How do you think Guenther Steiner will fare in MotoGP as Tech3 boss?
The Austrian manufacturer’s financial crisis has led to suggestions that they will run with just two bikes from 2027. With Tech3’s contract expiring in 2026, Steiner is looking for a new factory.
Honda have been linked, while Ducati are also targeting Tech3 if they lose Gresini to the Japanese outfit. It is looking increasingly likely that Steiner’s team will not sport the orange colour of KTM next season.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM Tech3 including the MotoGP team’s riders
Honda satellite team contract details
- LCR’s Honda satellite contract expires: End of 2026 (option to trigger a five-year extension)
LCR have been with Honda throughout their tenure in MotoGP, which began in 2006. Housing riders such as Casey Stoner, who made his premier class debut with the team, Jack Miller, Cal Crutchlow and Alex Marquez, the team have never finished higher than seventh in the standings.
As of the end of 2025, LCR have won just four races, with Johann Zarco grabbing the latest at Le Mans last year. The team look highly likely to stay within the Honda line-up in 2027, given their desire to add a second satellite team.
LCR’s current deal expires at the end of 2026, but Honda have the option to extend by another five years until at least 2031. The Monaco-based team are likely to continue their long-standing relationship, while Honda eye Gresini and Tech3 to join their project.
READ MORE: Everything to know about LCR from the MotoGP team’s riders to Honda ties
Yamaha satellite team contract details
Pramac’s Yamaha satellite contract expires: End of 2032
Pramac began life in MotoGP by running a Honda bike in 2002 and 2003. In 2005, they merged with the d’Antin team, who were running Ducati bikes, before becoming the Pramac Racing team known today in 2008.
Pramac won the teams’ championship in 2023 with Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco, becoming the first and only satellite team to do so. The following year, Martin won the riders’ title, with Pramac being the first independent outfit to clinch the crown in the modern era.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Pramac from the MotoGP team’s riders to bike
Prove me wrong: No independent team will ever repeat Jorge Martin’s 2024 MotoGP title with Pramac
After the championship win, Pramac stunned the paddock by announcing that they would be leaving Ducati in 2025 and signing with Yamaha as their satellite team. They are the only team to have a contract that runs beyond 2026.
Pramac signed a seven-year contract with Yamaha that runs until 2032, with Jack Miller and three-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu making up their line-up in 2026.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
