MotoGP satellite teams are in the middle of contract negotiations to secure their place in the sport with the manufacturers, but how do these relationships work and what are the current agreements?
Satellite teams, also known as independent teams, are privately owned teams that rent or purchase MotoGP bikes from manufacturers. In the year There are five manufacturers on the grid in 2026: Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Honda and Yamaha.
Six satellite teams (Gresini, VR46, Trackhouse, Tech3, LCR and Pramac) make up the 11-team strong MotoGP grid.
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From 2027, MotoGP owners Liberty Media have reached an agreement with IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) to place satellite teams on the same level as MotoGP factories. In theory, they could design their own chassis.
However, there is no talk of that yet; MotoGP teams are negotiating with Dorna on the next Concorde deal.. It secures their place on the grid, as well as the bikes they use, and there are many rumors surrounding their future.
And saying so. MotoGP news He looked at the current contracts of each of the satellite teams and what reports there are about their plans for 2027 and beyond.
Ducati satellite team contract details
- Gresini’s Ducati satellite contract expires at the end of 2026
- The VR46 Ducati satellite contract expires at the end of 2026
Ducati They are the only MotoGP factory with multiple satellite teams. After Pramac moved to Yamaha, their lineup was cut from eight bikes to six in 2025. Gresini And VR46 Stay on board.
Gresini has been with the Borgo Panigale outfit since 2022, having previously had long stints with Honda and Aprilia. Nadia Padovani’s team They had their joint-best season in MotoGP in 2025, finishing second in the standings.
Gresini: Which MotoGP bikes will you be racing with in 2027 – Ducati or Honda?
With their contract with Ducati expiring at the end of 2026, rumors are swirling about the team’s future. Tensions flared between Gresini and Ducati The factory is likely to phase them out of factory bikes by 2027 and junior talent Fermin Aldera is moving to the VR46.
Gresini has been heavily linked with a return to Honda and Aprilia. When negotiations for 2027 pass. Ducati wants to keep the team on board, but the momentum could lead to the exit.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Gresini, from MotoGP team riders to the hierarchy
After Pramac’s exit, the VR46 became Ducati’s second in command, with factory support in 2025. They have been with the Borgo Panigale outfit since joining the sport in 2022, but the team owned by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi finished third behind Gresini last year.
It is understood that despite talks with Aprilia next year. VR46 signs a new five-year contract with DucatiOne that will see them racing on Desmosedici bikes until at least 2031.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the Valentino Rossi VR46 from the current rider to the bike
Aprilia satellite team contract details
- Trackhouse’s Aprilia satellite contract expires at the end of 2026
Tracking house He signed a three-year contract Aprilia Joining MotoGP in 2024, the American team built its way to the front of the premier class by securing its first victory and podium at Phillip Island in 2025, led by Raul Fernandez.
In the year In 2026, thanks to Aprilia’s debut with the RS-GP, Trackhouse is in a strong position to fight at the front. However, there are doubts about his future with his wife Justin Marks is open to selling the team..
Trackhouse is connected to Honda. In 2027 it looks like there are six bikes on the grid. Apriya wants to keep Trackhouse. In their lineup, their contracts expire at the end of 2026.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Trackhouse, including MotoGP team riders
KTM satellite team contract details
- Tech3’s KTM satellite contract expires at the end of 2026
After 20 years with Yamaha, Tech3 Joined. KTM In the year In 2019, the Austrian outfit, acting as their small team to nurture young talent. In the year Returning to factory livery with the KTM factory team in 2024, Pedro Acosta was their star talent.
In the year In 2026, the French outfit is under impressive new ownership, with Herve Poncharal selling Tech3 to a former F1 team principal. Guenter Steiner. He is already in talks to leave KTM.
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The Austrian manufacturer’s financial problems have suggested that they will run only two bikes from 2027. With Tech3’s contract expiring in 2026, Steiner is looking for a new factory.
Honda connected, while Ducati are also targeting Tech3. If you miss Gresini for Japanese dressing. It is looking increasingly likely that Steiner’s team will not be sporting KTM’s orange livery next season.
Read more: Everything you need to know about KTM Tech3, including MotoGP team riders
Honda satellite team contract details
- LCR Honda Satellite Contract Expires: End of 2026 (Five Year Extension Option)
LCR were with Honda Home riders such as Casey Stoner, debutant Jack Miller, Cal Crutchlow and Alex Marquez, the team failed to finish higher than seventh in the standings in the 2006 MotoGP season.
In the year By the end of 2025, the LCR had won just four races, with Johan Zarco capturing the last at Le Mans last year. Given the team’s desire to add a second satellite team, it is likely to remain in Honda’s lineup through 2027.
The current LCR deal expires at the end of 2026, but Honda has the option of another five-year extension until at least 2031, with the Monaco-based team likely to continue their long-term relationship, with Honda eyeing Gresini and Tech3 joining their project.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the LCR, from MotoGP team riders to Honda affiliations
Yamaha satellite team contract details
Pramac’s Yamaha satellite contract expires at the end of 2032
Pramak In the year In 2002 and 2003, he started life in MotoGP, racing on a Honda bike. In the year In 2005, they merged with the D’Antin team, who race Ducati bikes, before becoming the Pramac racing team known today in 2008.
Pramac became the first and only satellite team to win the teams’ championship in 2023 with Jorge Martin and Johan Zarco. The following year, Martin won the Knights title, with Pramac becoming the first independent outfit to capture the crown in the modern era.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Pramac, from MotoGP team riders to bikes
Prove me wrong: no independent team will repeat George Martin’s 2024 MotoGP title with Pramac
After winning the championship, Pramac surprised the paddock by announcing he would leave Ducati in 2025. Yamaha As their satellite team. It is the only team with a contract that runs beyond 2026.
Pramac has signed a seven-year deal with Yamaha that runs until 2032. Jack Miller and three-time World Superbike champion Torak Razgatlioglu also line up in 2026.
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