Why are MotoGP rider changes announced so far in advance?

Teams announce deals early to secure the riders they want in a competitive market. It provides stability for planning, especially with major new technical rules coming in 2027, allowing riders to be part of the new bike's development.

What's the difference between a factory and an independent MotoGP team?

A factory team is run directly by a manufacturer like KTM or Ducati. An independent (or satellite) team, like Gresini, is a separate company that leases motorcycles and technical support from a manufacturer.

Is it normal for a rider to jump from Moto3 straight to MotoGP?

No, it is very rare. Most riders progress through the middle category, Moto2, first. Dani Holgado's direct move shows how much potential the Gresini team believes he has.

Will this news affect how Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer ride for Gresini?

It's highly unlikely. MotoGP riders are professionals who are paid to get the best possible results for their current team. They will remain fully committed to Gresini until their contracts expire at the end of 2026.

Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer to Depart BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP at End of 2026

Gresini Racing has confirmed its 2027 rider line-up, meaning current riders Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer will depart the team at the end of 2026.

In a significant move that looks far into the future, the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP team has announced its complete rider line-up for the 2027 season. The team will field former world champion Joan Mir alongside rising star Dani Holgado.

This confirmation means that the team’s riders for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer, will be departing at the conclusion of their contracts. Their future destinations have also been confirmed in a busy period of contract negotiations.

What does this announcement mean?

In MotoGP, rider contracts are a hot topic, and teams often work to secure their future line-ups a long time in advance. Announcing riders for a season that is over two years away might seem strange, but it provides stability and a clear direction for the team, its sponsors, and the riders themselves.

For Gresini, this is a bold statement of intent. They are blending the proven experience of a MotoGP World Champion with the exciting potential of a young talent, creating a fresh new look for the team as the sport enters a new era of technical rules in 2027.

Who are the new riders?

Joan Mir is a name that even new fans might recognise. The Spanish rider won the MotoGP World Championship in 2020 and brings a wealth of experience from top-level factory teams. His knowledge will be invaluable as Gresini adapts to the new regulations.

Dani Holgado, on the other hand, represents the future. He is a young Spanish rider who finished as runner-up in the Moto3 championship in 2023 and is currently competing in the Moto3 championship, the lightweight Grand Prix class. A direct jump from Moto3 to MotoGP is rare, but his rapid rise and proven talent in the lightweight class show just how highly rated Holgado is by those in the .

Former MotoGP world champion Joan Mir celebrating a victory on the podium.

Where are Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer going?

Both departing riders have secured top-tier seats for the 2027 season. Alex Marquez is set to join the official Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. This is a significant move for him, joining a ‘factory’ team – one that is run directly by the motorcycle manufacturer itself – which is often seen as the goal for most riders.

Fermin Aldeguer, a hugely promising young talent, will move to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. This is another highly respected independent team, famously owned by the legendary Valentino Rossi. The VR46 team has a fantastic reputation for nurturing young riders and achieving great results.

Why are these changes happening so far in advance?

The MotoGP rider market, often nicknamed the ‘silly season’, is like a complex game of chess. Top teams want to lock in the best riders as early as possible. This is especially true right now, as the entire sport is preparing for a major technical overhaul in 2027.

New rules will be introduced that change how the bikes are designed, with smaller engines and revised (the wings and bodywork that help the bike stay on the ground at high speed). By confirming their riders now, teams like Gresini can involve them in the development of their new 2027 bike from a very early stage.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bike at speed on a MotoGP circuit.

What is Gresini Racing’s role in MotoGP?

Gresini Racing is one of the most respected and best-loved independent teams in MotoGP. Independent teams, sometimes called ‘satellite’ teams, lease their motorcycles from a major manufacturer. Gresini currently has a very successful partnership with Ducati, using their championship-winning Desmosedici bikes.

Despite not having the huge budget of a factory team, Gresini has a long history of winning races and challenging at the front. They are known for their passionate, family-like atmosphere and for giving talented riders a platform to prove themselves against the very best in the world.

What happens until the end of 2026?

For the remainder of the 2026 season, it’s business as usual. Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer will continue to race for BK8 Gresini Racing with full commitment. Riders are professionals and are expected to give their all for their current team, regardless of where they are riding in the future.

Fans can expect to see both riders fighting hard for podiums and wins for Gresini right up until their final race with the team. These long farewells are common in the sport and do not get in the way of the intense desire to win every weekend.

A close-up of a new MotoGP prototype bike's engine and chassis being worked on by a mechanic.

Quick Takeaways

BK8 Gresini Racing has signed Joan Mir and Dani Holgado for the 2027 season.
This means current riders Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer will leave the team after 2026.
Marquez will move to the Red Bull KTM factory team, while Aldeguer will join the VR46 team.
Announcements are made this early to provide stability ahead of major new bike rules in 2027.