The silence in the MotoGP paddock is deafening, and it's a calculated move. Behind the scenes, a high-stakes power play is unfolding, freezing 2027 rider announcements despite many star-studded deals reportedly being locked down.
Key Takeaways:
- Most 2027 factory rider deals are secretly agreed but remain officially unannounced.
- Manufacturers (MSMA) are collectively withholding news as a strategic form of leverage.
- The standoff is over the crucial 2027-2031 commercial rights agreement and revenue distribution.
- Teams are pushing for a percentage-based revenue model, similar to Formula 1.
The Unspoken Deals of 2027
It’s an open secret: a significant portion of the MotoGP grid for 2027 already knows their destination. Yet, the official channels remain eerily quiet. The sole exception? Marco Bezzecchi's confirmed move to Aprilia, a rare public declaration that starkly highlights the coordinated silence elsewhere.
This isn't an accident. Rival factories watched Aprilia's announcement with raised eyebrows, as it broke an unspoken pact. Nearly half the grid is reportedly settled, including pivotal factory seats, but the official ink stays dry.
A Power Play for Profit
At the heart of this unprecedented quiet lies a fierce battle over the future of MotoGP. Manufacturers, unified under the MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association), are in intense negotiations with MotoGP Sports Entertainment (formerly Dorna) regarding the championship's commercial rights agreement for the 2027-2031 cycle.
The current agreement expires at the end of this season. Without a new, binding document securing their long-term participation, teams are understandably reluctant to confirm their star riders for a period that isn't yet contractually guaranteed. This makes the silence a potent form of leverage.
The Concorde Agreement Echo
This high-stakes negotiation mirrors Formula 1's storied Concorde Agreement. The central sticking point? Revenue distribution. MotoGP Sports Entertainment has reportedly tabled a fixed payment of around €8 million per team.
However, manufacturers are pushing for a percentage-based model, directly linking their income to the championship's overall revenue. This system, which operates in Formula 1, is seen as a way to capitalize on the anticipated growth of MotoGP under Liberty Media's ownership, providing a stronger incentive for all stakeholders.
Behind Closed Doors: The Negotiators
The intensity of these talks has been palpable. Key figures have been meeting regularly, often behind the scenes at test events. During the Sepang test, representatives like Lin Jarvis (Yamaha, leading MSMA negotiations), Paolo Pavesio (Yamaha), Massimo Rivola (Aprilia), and Pit Beirer (KTM) convened.
These discussions later included Gigi Dall’Igna (Ducati) before a crucial meeting with Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP Sports Entertainment, in Kuala Lumpur. Progress is gradual, but the necessity of an agreement for the 2027 season is clear to all involved.
High Stakes, High Silence
The decision to withhold 2027 rider announcements is a calculated risk. While it creates negotiation leverage, manufacturers have already committed significant resources to developing the new 850cc era machines. Both sides are deeply invested in the championship's future.
As the MotoGP season kicks off, all eyes will be on the boardroom as much as the racetrack. A breakthrough in commercial rights talks could unleash a wave of thrilling rider confirmations, finally ending the strategic silence and shaping the future of elite motorcycle racing.
