MotoGP welcomes 'defining moment' as constructors agree five-year deal

The MotoGP championship and five manufacturers announced on Friday a "historic" commercial agreement that extends their participation until 2031 in exchange for a share of revenue from TV broadcasters, sponsors and circuits.

This agreement, inspired by the so?called "Concorde" accords in Formula 1, formalises a five-year commitment from Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, KTM and Yamaha who were working together as the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association (MSMA).

It will immediately unlock the silence that the teams have imposed on rider signings for 2027, many of which have already been completed.
The negotiations, which lasted for weeks, involved the MSMA, the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) and Liberty Media, the new owner of the commercial rights.

"Today is a defining moment for MotoGP," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP SEG, in a joint statement alongside the other executives from the respective brands.

"The commitment of the five manufacturers not only highlights the strength of the championship but also the shared ambition driving its future.

"The focus is firmly on what lies ahead: expanding our global reach, evolving the sport, and connecting with new audiences worldwide."

Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola, president of the MSMA, hailed it as "a historic day".
According to the website Motorsport.com, which first reported on this agreement several days ago, each team will receive around eight million euros per year from television, sponsor and motorcycle circuit revenues.

Under the measures expected to be introduced in 2027, each team will be allowed only one bike per rider during practice and will have to develop its marketing and communications strategy, as in F1.

In a technical revolution already announced, the displacement of the ultra-powerful, ultra-fast machines will be reduced from 1,000cc to 850cc for safety and environmental reasons, according to MotoGP.

As for the numerous transfers, the arrival of Spain's Pedro Acosta (KTM) at Ducati is expected to be made official, where he will be the teammate and compatriot of seven-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez.

His younger brother Alex Marquez (Ducati-Gresini) will move to KTM along with Italian Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ducati-VR46), while Italian Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia will leave Ducati for Aprilia.

Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, who is struggling at Yamaha, is expected to join Honda, while Spaniard Jorge Martín (Aprilia) and Japan's Ai Ogura (Aprilia-Trackhouse) will be heading to Yamaha.

Agence France-Presse