MotoGP Will Launch 2027 Season With New Rider Lineup
Teams have finalized all 22 rider seats for the upcoming 2027 season featuring 850 cc engines.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Motorsports
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The MotoGP circuit will debut a revamped rider lineup for the 2027 season, coinciding with the introduction of new 850 cc engine regulations. All 22 seats across the 11 factory and satellite teams have been officially confirmed.
Why it matters
The transition to a new 850 cc engine configuration represents a major technical shift for the sport, forcing teams to reconfigure their bikes and lineups to adapt to the lower displacement requirements. This wholesale movement of talent reshapes the competitive hierarchy for the next era of racing.
The 2027 grid comprises 22 total seats distributed among 11 teams. This new season mandates a switch to 850 cc engine displacement configurations for all competing race bikes.
The players
Francesco Bagnaia
A veteran rider who spent four seasons with the Ducati Lenovo Team before signing a four-year deal with Aprilia Racing.
Marc Marquez
A multi-time world champion who has secured his future with the Ducati Lenovo Team through the 2028 season.
Fabio Quartararo
The former Yamaha rider who is set to lead the factory Honda effort in the upcoming transition.
Pedro Acosta
A rising talent who will move into the Ducati Lenovo Team vacancy created by Bagnaia.
The details
Key moves include Francesco Bagnaia departing Ducati for a four-year tenure at Aprilia Racing, while Pedro Acosta steps into Bagnaia's former seat at the Ducati Lenovo Team. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez has extended his stay with Ducati through 2028, and Fabio Quartararo will transition to lead the factory Honda effort.
Timeline
The 2027 season marks the official start of the new 850 cc engine regulation.
Marc Marquez is signed to remain with the Ducati Lenovo Team through 2028.
Season Trajectory
This roster overhaul aligns with the implementation of the MotoGP technical regulation framework, which mandates the shift to smaller engine displacements. The movement of top-tier talent creates an immediate competitive imbalance as riders adjust to new machinery.
The major shift of high-profile riders like Bagnaia to Aprilia and Quartararo to Honda will force a total reset of championship favorite odds for the 2027 season. Fantasy rosters and team-based predictions will be heavily impacted by how quickly these veterans adapt to the new 850 cc bikes.
The takeaway
The upcoming engine regulation change is driving the most significant rider market movement in years. Fans should monitor pre-season testing closely to see which manufacturers successfully optimized their 850 cc power units.
Further reading
For more on the latest racing developments, explore our Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Paul Tan's Automotive News.
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