MotoGP rider lineup changes and wildcard entries

Following the April 2026 baseline, MotoGP has officially confirmed a ban on all wildcard entries starting from the 2027 season, a major regulatory shift coinciding with the move to 850cc engines. Additionally, the 2027 rider market has seen key official confirmations, including the retention of Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins by Yamaha and a confirmed total lineup change for Gresini Racing. These updates provide specific details on the 2027 grid which was previously noted as finalized.

• MotoGP wildcard entries banned from 2027: On 30 Apr 2026, the FIM announced that wildcard entries will be prohibited in the MotoGP class starting in 2027 to simplify the sport's technical transition to 850cc machinery.
• Yamaha confirms 2027 rider lineup: Official announcements in July 2026 confirmed that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins have signed to continue with the Yamaha factory team for the 2027 season.
• Gresini Racing confirms 2027 overhaul: In July 2026, Gresini Racing confirmed a full change to its rider lineup for the 2027 season, marking a new era for the team under Nadia Padovani.

As of 23 August 2026, a major team ownership change has been confirmed with former Formula 1 team principal Günther Steiner and F1 driver Pierre Gasly taking over the Red Bull Tech3-KTM team. For the upcoming Aragon Grand Prix, Yamaha has officially filed a wildcard entry for Augusto Fernandez, while Johann Zarco has successfully completed a private fitness test to verify his recovery. Additionally, the 2027 premier class rider grid is now considered finalized following the recent confirmation of the final remaining seats.

• Günther Steiner and Pierre Gasly take over Red Bull Tech3-KTM: On 22 August 2026, it was announced that former Haas F1 principal Günther Steiner and Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly have led an investment group to acquire the Red Bull Tech3-KTM team.
• Augusto Fernandez confirmed as Yamaha wildcard for Aragon: Yamaha has filed a wildcard entry for test rider Augusto Fernandez to compete in the Aragon Grand Prix, potentially debuting development components for the 2027 project. (August 28, 2026 – August 30, 2026) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Augusto Fernandez Wildcard Entry (Aragon GP) August 28, 2026 – August 30, 2026
• Johann Zarco clears fitness test for Aragon return: On 22 August 2026, Johann Zarco successfully tested a Honda Fireblade to confirm his knee is fit for competition ahead of the Aragon Grand Prix starting 28 August. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Johann Zarco Return to Competition August 28, 2026
• Pol Espargaro on standby for Maverick Viñales: Reports as of 22 August 2026 indicate that Pol Espargaro is prepared to stand in for Maverick Viñales at Aprilia for the Aragon GP if Viñales is not cleared to race.

As of 21 August 2026, the MotoGP lineup for the upcoming Aragon Grand Prix has been updated with the confirmed return of Johann Zarco following his recovery from a knee injury. While the 2027 rider grid was declared finalized earlier this week, new reports have solidified the expected transition at Pramac Yamaha, where Moto2 star Izan Guevara is slated to replace Jack Miller. Additionally, a key meeting to determine the 2027 testing schedule for the new 850cc era has been scheduled for early September.

• Johann Zarco confirmed for Aragon GP return: On 20 August 2026, it was confirmed that Johann Zarco has successfully advanced his knee injury recovery and will return to competition for the Aragon Grand Prix. (August 28, 2026 – August 30, 2026) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Johann Zarco Return - Aragon GP August 28, 2026 – August 30, 2026
• 2027 MotoGP testing meeting scheduled: A crucial meeting between team representatives and Dorna officials is scheduled to take place during the Catalunya Grand Prix weekend (5–7 September 2026) to finalize venues and dates for 2027 testing. (September 5, 2026 – September 7, 2026) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) MotoGP 2027 Testing Coordination Meeting September 5, 2026 – September 7, 2026
• Izan Guevara to replace Jack Miller at Pramac Yamaha: Recent reports as of 20 August 2026 indicate that Moto2 rising star Izan Guevara has been selected to replace Jack Miller at Pramac Yamaha for the 2027 season, as Miller prepares to transition to WorldSBK.
• 2026 Aragon Grand Prix: The 13th round of the 2026 World Championship is scheduled for 28 August to 30 August 2026 at MotorLand Aragón. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) 2026 Aragon Grand Prix August 28, 2026 – August 30, 2026

As of 18 August 2026, the MotoGP rider market for the 2027 season has been declared finalized, with the identities of all 22 riders for the upcoming 850cc era now determined. The latest official confirmation saw Raúl Fernández secure his seat at Trackhouse-Aprilia, marking the 17th officially announced position on the grid. Additionally, Yamaha has concluded its 1000cc wildcard program to focus entirely on 2027 development ahead of the Aragon Grand Prix on 28 August 2026.

• Raúl Fernández confirmed for Trackhouse-Aprilia: On 18 August 2026, Raúl Fernández was officially confirmed to remain with Trackhouse-Aprilia for the 2027 season, filling the 17th of 22 available seats for the new 850cc regulations era.
• 2027 MotoGP grid finalized: Reports on 18 August 2026 indicate that the full 22-rider lineup for the 2027 season is now finalized; while only 17 have been officially announced by teams, there are no longer any remaining question marks regarding the identities of the riders for the premier class. (March 1, 2027) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) 2027 MotoGP Season Start (850cc Era) March 1, 2027
• Yamaha 1000cc wildcard program concluded: Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez completed his final wildcard appearance on the 1000cc M1 at Silverstone, as the manufacturer officially shifts its testing focus to the 2027 850cc project.
• 2026 Aragon Grand Prix: The next round of the 2026 championship is the Aragon Grand Prix, scheduled to take place from 28 August to 30 August 2026 at MotorLand Aragón. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix 2026 August 28, 2026 at 10:00 GMT+3 – August 30, 2026 at 17:00 GMT+3
• MotoGP transfer window proposal: As of August 2026, MotoGP officials and manufacturers are discussing the implementation of a formal, football-style transfer window for future rider signings to prevent market negotiations from overshadowing the racing season.