Less than a month from the first green light of 2026 and the music has started on the 2027 rider line-up. Silly season never fails to deliver but we’re not even out of January and already, World Champions are on the move. After the exclusive by motorsport.com surrounding Fabio Quartararo’s future, they’re now reporting that 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin is “finalising details” to replace the Frenchman.
It comes after a torrid and injury-hit 2025 campaign for the Spaniard, who spent much time recuperating from his pre-season testing injury, his return injury in Qatar and a further fall in Japan, not once mounting the podium. ‘The Martinator’ is also out of the first test of 2026, adding to his lack of kilometres aboard the RS-GP. Add in the drama of Martin's Aprilia contract dramas from 2025, it's been far from the dream experience at the Noale factory for the #89 - and likewise for Aprilia who hired a reigning World Champion.
Should both reports be true, it’d signal a huge shake-up on the MotoGP grid; Quartararo has only ridden for Yamaha and has been apart of the current Monster Energy factory set-up since 2021, when he became World Champion. As for Martin, he started his MotoGP career at Ducati before the ill-fated switch to Aprilia. Whilst no explicit team is mentioned, it’s fair to assume that with both being ex-World Champions and currently in factory teams, they’d find themselves within a factory setup in their respective new homes too.
Only two riders are officially confirmed for 2027 and that’s Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), with the 34-year-old Frenchman gearing up for his 10th season in the category whilst also being the oldest on the full-time grid and his Pro Honda LCR teammate Diogo Moreira - who is on a "multi-year" deal. Everyone else is up for the taking and with the new regulations incoming for 2027, it only adds to the intrigue.
Quartararo to Honda? Martin to Yamaha? Who next and where to and more importantly, how long until we get to find out? It’s all fun and games… and we love it. Follow all the latest updates and let us know who you think is the hottest of property for 2027!
MotoGP Silly Season: may contain nuts.