Marco Bezzecchi
KTM are yet to confirm who will ride alongside Alex Marquez in 2027, and there are several riders in the running for the seat.
The MotoGP rider market has thrown up multiple changes amongst the teams and manufacturers next year. Riders have acted fast to secure their future deals, and KTM have been forced to make some swift moves.
Star rider Pedro Acosta looks to be off to Ducati to partner with Marc Marquez. But the Austrians have moved quickly to secure his replacement, with Alex Marquez set to join KTM in 2027 and fulfil his desire of becoming a factory rider in MotoGP.
Alex Marquez looks to be KTM-bound! 😲 Has he made the right choice leaving Gresini?
With one signature confirmed for next season, they must now secure their second rider. KTM are weighing up their options for Marquez’s teammate, with names within their current pool and rivals being considered for the seat.
So, MotoGP News has looked into those riders in the running to be Marquez’s teammate and ranked who KTM should look to sign alongside him in 2027.
Fabio Di Giannantonio – The best option
KTM have already signed one Ducati rider, and they are being linked with another in Fabio Di Giannantonio. The Italian’s stock is high in MotoGP right now, following an impressive start to the 2026 season.
He has largely been Ducati’s top rider thus far, sitting third in the standings with two podiums and two pole positions. Di Giannantonio is attracting interest from multiple teams, including KTM, as his contract with VR46 expires this season.
With factory support from Ducati, the 27-year-old may want to stay put in 2027. But if KTM can put in an attractive offer, an outright factory team could be enough to entice him to join Marquez.
His consistency is making him a top rider, and it will be a real coup for the Austrians to strike a deal for Diggia. He is certainly the top option among a list of riders who are struggling to find results.
Brad Binder – Continuity for a new regulation cycle
Having been with KTM since his Moto3 days in 2015, Brad Binder is under more pressure than ever to stay in MotoGP. He has been considerably outperformed by Acosta since he joined the team in 2025.
Qualifying has been a serious problem for Binder, and he has lacked consistency during races as he struggles to regularly break into the top 10. Currently sitting in 11th, he will need to pick up his results if he wants to keep his seat.
For KTM, continuity may not be a bad thing, especially with a new regulation cycle coming up in 2027. Binder will be helping to develop the 850cc bike and is an experienced head to have around the team.
His passport may also help his case, as Liberty Media wants to have as many nationalities on the grid as possible. But the South African rider needs to find some performance, especially when there are multiple riders waiting to replace him.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Brad Binder from career stats to wife
Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini – Promotion from Tech3?
KTM’s original plan for 2027 was to promote from Tech3, with Maverick Vinales being offered a contract to race for the factory team. However, that has now been thrown into uncertainty after his torrid start to 2026.
The Spaniard is suffering at the back and recently missed COTA and Jerez through injury. KTM are not happy with Vinales, and unless he can dramatically turn around his fortunes, he could be out of MotoGP altogether – he is certainly not the team’s best option right now.
It is a completely different story for Enea Bastianini, however, as the Italian is starting to find his feet after a difficult 2025 season. He is KTM’s second-best rider right now, sitting 10th in the standings, and would be a sensible choice for a factory ride.
The problem is that Bastianini is wanted by Gresini, and the Italian did want out of KTM back in 2025, so an exit could be likely. But KTM could block Bastianini from leaving, as they have a 12-month extension clause in his contract – a factory seat might be the only way to smooth the situation.
Senna Agius – An exciting rookie
Multiple teams are keeping tabs on upcoming riders from Moto2. That is especially the case for Senna Agius, who is really turning heads in the MotoGP paddock with his performances this season.
The Australian rider has won the last two races and sits second in the championship behind Manu Gonzalez. He is a serious title contender and is in with a shout of landing a MotoGP seat.
READ MORE: Who is Senna Agius? Everything to know from career stats to height
KTM could hand Agius a seat in 2027, but given that several teams are interested in him, they will have to act fast if they’re serious about handing him a contract.
With a new regulation cycle coming up, it could be the right time for the Aussie to move up to the premier class, and KTM could give him the chance to flourish.
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