Speedweek MotoGP26 September 2026

Major Changes in Rider Lineups in MotoGP

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MotoGP races will feature significant changes in technical specifications as of the 2027 season, alongside shifts in rider lineups. Changes include the reduction of engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc in motorcycles, the prohibition of aerodynamic and adjustable chassis technologies, and a major transfer of rider preferences. All four riders in the KTM team are being replaced.

Rider Changes at KTM

The entire four-rider lineup in the KTM team is being renewed. Pedro Acosta, the reigning Spielberg GP champion, is moving to the Ducati team, which features the favorite World Champion, Mattighofener, as the number one rider. Marc Marquez, the Champion, will join him. Brad Binder will seek the MotoGP seat in the BMW team for the Superbike World Championship over the next two years. Enea Bastianini is moving to Trackhouse Aprilia after two challenging years, concluding his career at the GP level.

New Transfers and Team Structures

The new Red Bull KTM lineup includes current Ducati riders Alex Marquez (from Gresini) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (from VR46). Additionally, Tech3 will include World Champion Moto2 rider Luca Marini and Senna Agius in the Honda team.

Statements from KTM Management

KTM Managing Director Gottfried Neumeister commented on the rider changes. Regarding the question of whether Acosta's departure could be compensated for, Neumeister stated, "I am very confident that we will be well-positioned with the riders we select." He also emphasized that the team selects not only current riders but also those they choose. KTM has the ability to bring riders from many brands, from Moto3 and Moto2 up to MotoGP, and they assert their power in bringing young riders onto the track. Regarding Pedro Acosta's career, he stated that it is not more than one million, or even less, and that it is important for him to compete with Marc Marquez as an Spaniard with the same weapons, but he could not disagree with such arguments.

The Importance of Teamwork

Gottfried Neumeister stated that there is a team behind a racer, saying, "If there were a motorcycle that allowed Pedro to achieve such results, he could not deliver those results." Neumeister stressed that he would never underestimate Pedro Acosta's constant effort, but emphasized that there is a team behind a great rider. He expressed 100% confidence in the two incoming riders and that they could make a difference. He stated that neither of them currently has a team, emphasizing that continuous work will lead to success in the long term and that it requires constantly being better, applying, analyzing, and being data-driven. He stressed that the company applies this approach and that they must constantly improve. He stated that they need to demonstrate continuous performance, not just for one year or half a year.