The rider market is going crazy as the 2025 MotoGP season gets closer. Most of the spots on the grid are still up for grabs. As 2024 commenced, just three riders had signed contracts that guaranteed they would be on the grid in 2025. Now that Yamaha has made Fabio Quartararo's two-year contract public, that number has doubled to six. Currently, Ducati reigns supreme on the grid, claiming eight out of the 22 spots. Among these are four factory bikes (Lenovo Ducati and Prima Pramac) and four 2023-spec bikes (Gresini and VR46). However, reigning World Champion Pecco Bagnaia has secured his spot for 2025 and beyond. Still, there are seven Ducati bikes that don't have guaranteed riders for 2025. This makes it clear that many riders will be competing for spots on the grid's best machines.
So without delay, let's delve into how the grid is taking shape for the upcoming 2025 season.
2025 Riders Market
Ducati and Prima Pramac
Ducati quickly signed Francesco Bagnaia to stay with them for a long time. Things could go a lot of different ways for his factory teammate in 2025. Ducati is also planning to bring Fermin Aldeguer, a young Moto2 rider with a lot of potential, to the top class in 2025. As of yet, Aldeguer does not know which team he will join.
Enea Bastianini currently holds the second spot in the riders' standings, and his contract expires in 2024. The future remains uncertain regarding who will join Francesco Bagnaia as his teammate for the 2025 season. Also, both Jorge Martin and Franco Morbidelli from Pramac are set to become free agents at the end of the year as their contracts expire.
Aprilia and Track House Racing
Both Aprilia riders, Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales, are out of contract after 2024. This gives Aprilia the chance to make significant moves. As well as Trackhouse's Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, their contracts are up in 2024. Enea Bastianini is a strong contender. If he loses his Ducati seat, Aprilia is keen on him to lead their project as they seek an Italian rider.
KTM and Red Bull GASGAS Tech3
Brad Binder has inked a long-term pact with KTM, while Pedro Acosta's rookie deal remains uncertain. However, the odds are that KTM will retain Acosta for 2025, potentially placing him on their factory team. Consequently, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez, Acosta's Tech3 GASGAS teammate, should consider their options. KTM also aims to expand by introducing additional satellite teams to the grid in the future.
Honda and LCR Honda
A long-term deal allows Luca Marini to replace Marc Marquez, and Johann Zarco will stay with LCR until 2025. At the same time, Joan Mir from Repsol and Takaaki Nakagami from LCR are both without contracts. Honda is having trouble being competitive right now, but experienced riders are still interested in joining because of its status as a MotoGP powerhouse.
Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo is now the highest-paid rider in MotoGP thanks to an expensive long-term deal that Yamaha gave him. They want to grow by adding a satellite team next year, which could include VR46 and Pramac. A lot of teams are interested in Enea Bastianini and Jorge Martin, who are both running for the Ducati seat.
Gresini Racing and VR46
Neither of the Marquez brothers have contracts with Gresini Racing beyond this year, and Gresini still has another year on its Ducati deal. Also, neither of the VR46 riders has a deal that extends past this year. Since there aren't many prospects for the VR46 Academy, Di Giannantonio's good play could earn his spot for 2025. Instead of stepping up to the factory-supported Pramac team for 2024, Marco Bezzecchi stayed with VR46. It's safe to assume that Bezzecchi won't be leaving VR46 anytime soon.
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