With the upcoming MotoGP season marking the end of an era for the premier class under current regulations, there are a number of riders who will need to show what they can do to cement their place on the grid in 2027.
Most of the grids will find themselves out of contract at the end of the upcoming contract, creating huge changes for both the machines that will be in the game and the drivers who will compete on them.
As it stands now, the equestrian market of 2027 is full of speculations. No one wants to commit yet, so they have the best possible chance of landing a front-row seat for regulatory reform.
Even so, there are still plenty of drivers who need to prove first that they deserve to keep their place on the grid.
Here MotoGP news Here is a list of five riders who all have points to prove in the premier class finale of the 1000cc era:
George Martin
The 2024 MotoGP world champion had a tough time in his title defense last year, and to save his career he needs to be able to communicate the fact that he is unscathed by his recent injury woes.
George Martin In total, he missed 14 race weekends. ApriliaCompleting The worst title defense in MotoGP history.
Having suffered three separate injuries which kept him out of the following rounds, it’s natural for the Spaniard to be affected by the mental challenges, and his lap time could certainly hurt him.
Unfortunately, given how competitive the race for a seat on the grid is, he may be forced to make way for someone else if he fails to cross in time and still prove worthy of the seat.
Toprak Razgatlioglu
MotoGP new boy Toprak Razgatlioglu He is the only rider on this list with a contract until 2027, but that doesn’t mean he has nothing to prove during his debut campaign in the premier class.
Turkish Rider is the latest. List of riders who have moved from World Superbike to MotoGPAnd he hopes they will surpass Cal Crutchlow, a highly successful convert, in the coming years.
However, in 2026, it’s vital that the 29-year-old proves he belongs in the premier class.
A former MotoGP rider has become a WSBK star Alvaro Bautista Razgatlioglu has already warned that he does not have much time Before questions begin to be asked of him, therefore, Yamaha’s new M1 needs to cement its seat on the grid as soon as possible.
Francesco Bagnaia
After becoming the undisputed golden boy Ducati In the year After moving to the factory clothing in 2021, Francesco Bagnaia The most recent campaign in red left a lot to be desired.
The 2025 term means the Italian has not been in title contention since his time at Pramac Racing and the upcoming season will determine whether he stays at Borgo Pangale or looks for a spare seat.
The boss of Ducati Luigi Daleigna was getting impatient with Bagnaia. Amidst his struggles in GP25 last year, the two-time world champion shows he needs to hit the ground running this season.
Bagnaia has insisted he wants to retire as a factory Ducati rider, but if results don’t come quickly enough in 2026, we could see a new rider don the famous red jersey in 2027 for MotoGP’s new rules era.
Brad Binder
Same with bagania Brad Binder During his worst season in the premier class, he had problems with the bike.
Binder was destroyed by Pedro Acosta in the battle of his KTM teammate And most of the year it’s out of stock at RC16.
The South African’s career is heading towards a flashpoint over the last two seasons, and the season ahead could be the most crucial yet in terms of his future on the gridiron.
With the Austrian constructor’s contract expiring at the end of 2026, there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to land a seat at another team if he can’t really show what he’s capable of.
Joan Mir
After winning the 2020 Premier League World Cup Joan Mir It’s often one of the most mysterious drivers on the grid, largely due to its absolute lack of front-of-the-grid features.
of Honda The rider still has just one grand prix victory to his name from that world-winning season, with some dubbing him the ‘Consistency Champion’ for his championship rivals to take the loss.
Another rider on this list whose contract expires in 2026 can stop those who think Mir is an undeserving champion by showing why he is the MotoGP World Champion.
Honda is currently on an upward trend.By the end of 2025, the Concession level will be raised, which means Mir will start receiving a bike suitable for racing at the front.
With young talents like Diogo Moreira joining the Honda ranks, the Spaniard must show he is still a rider worthy of a factory contract before the chickens come home to roost.
