With only four seats officially vacant for 2026 – Luca Marini (Honda HRC), Johann Zarco (LCR Honda), Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha), and Franco Morbidelli (VR46 Ducati) – the MotoGP rider market is in turmoil. 2024 champion Jorge Martin and young gun Pedro Acosta, both managed by Albert Valera, are at the heart of speculation, while names like Toprak Razgatlioglu and Enea Bastianini are fueling the rumor mill. Here's a rundown of the possible scenarios, based on the latest rumors.
The 2026 MotoGP transfer market is busy behind the scenes despite the low number of officially available spots. Currently, four riders are "free" on paper: Luca marini (Sling), Johann zarco (LCR Honda), Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha) and Franco Morbidelli (VR46 Ducati).
But as always in the world of MotoGP, appearances are deceptive, and many complex scenarios could redefine the grid, particularly around George Martin et Peter Acosta.
The future of George Martin thus already seems compromised at Aprilia, despite a contract until 2026. Injured and rarely present on the track, he is considering leaving the team via a performance clause. His probable destination? Honda, an explosive movement that would force Aprilia to look for a heavyweight replacement.
The possible scenarios are as follows: Peter Acosta, but his contract with KTM remains a major obstacle. Luca Marini is available at the end of 2025 and is popular for its technical approach. Ai Ogura, convincing at TrackHouse (currently the best Aprilia rider), would be an internal bet. But his lack of experience in MotoGP remains a brake. The problem is that as long as Martin is contractually bound, Aprilia cannot officially recruit anyone. A scenario reminiscent of the case Andrea Iannone (2020), where the wait was costly.
Meanwhile, Honda is at the heart of the transfer window, with renewed ambitions. HRC is more active than ever, with resources and increasing results (victory of zarco in Le Mans) and a clear desire to establish itself on the market.
Johann zarco seems set to extend with LCR, or could aim for a return to the factory team. Luca Marini, less efficient, is still in discussions with HRC. His future is uncertain. Peter Acosta is a serious target. His frustration at KTM, linked to the technical stagnation and the financial crisis of the brand, could precipitate his departure. George Martin, if he leaves Aprilia, remains the potential poker move for HRC.
Honda could bet on a duo Martin-Zarco ou Martin-Acosta, depending on the contractual evolution and the intentions of Valera, manager of the two pilots.
MotoGP rider market in full swing
At Ducati, we dominate the grid, and stability prevails with Marc Marquez, Bagnaia, Di Giannantonio, Alex Marquez et Aldeguer under contract or well placed. The hot spot is called Franco Morbidelli (VR46) who has a contract until the end of 2025, but his current results (4th in the championship) largely justify an extension. Peter Acosta has been linked to VR46 (Rossi likes him), but the operation does not seem realistic, VR46 unable to match the financial means of Honda.
Other rumors concern Nicholas Bulega (WorldSBK vice-champion) who could join the Ducati test program in 2026, with a view to a 2027 handlebar, bringing his experience Pirelli in anticipation of the MotoGP tire change.
At Yamaha, Jack Miller is on probation and Toprak Razgatlioglu in ambush. With Pramac as an official satellite team, Yamaha is under reconstruction, but shows concrete progress.
Jack Miller has given satisfaction, both technically and sportingly. An extension seems logical. Toprak Razgatlioglu remains a name mentioned, but Yamaha did not respond within the time limits set by his management. The Turk would, however, be open to a move to Pramac. Enea Bastianini, not very convincing at KTM, is cited, but remains a distant hypothesis. If Yamaha decides on a total renewal of Pramac, Miguel Oliveira, despite a 2025-26 contract, could be concerned, especially if his injuries persist.
For its part, KTM theoretically has four drivers locked in for 2026: Acosta, Viñales, Binder, BastianiniBut doubts hang over the overall future of the structure, which is in the grip of a financial crisis.
Acosta is the jewel to protect, but his frustration is palpable. KTM has little margin for error to keep it until 2027. Casa Particular in Viñales performs well at Tech3. One Aprilia perd Martin, she might try to get it back. bastianini sentence and could be released, with rumors placing him at Pramac Yamaha or even Aprilia. Brad Binder, solid and loyal, seems little concerned by short-term movements.
Despite only four seats officially vacant, the 2026 MotoGP grid could see a major shake-up if certain dominoes fall: George Martin wants to get out ofAprilia : this opens doors to Honda…and potentially others. Peter Acosta could activate an exit as early as 2026 if KTM is not getting back on track. Toprak, Viñales, Bastianini, Morbidelli… they are all on the radar.
So the market is much more agitated than it seems, and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where much discussion usually takes place, could bring down the first verdicts.
