The rider market heading into the 2027 season may not be quite as explosive as the one that preceded 2026, but there’s still plenty to keep an eye on over the coming months.
Last winter saw two of the sport’s biggest stars, five-time world champions Tim Gajser and Jeffrey Herlings, both switch manufacturers. Moves of that magnitude to happen at the same time are rare, and while a repeat isn’t expected this time around, there are still several high-profile riders approaching the end of their current deals.
From reigning world champions to rising stars, the 2026 season could prove crucial in shaping the MXGP paddock for years to come.
Romain Febvre
Let’s start with the reigning MXGP World Champion. Romain Febvre signed a one-year extension with Kawasaki Racing Team, meaning the Frenchman is once again entering a contract year.
Despite turning 35 at the end of this year, it is believed Febvre has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet. The rumours linking him to Triumph refuse to disappear, with the manufacturer understood to have a strong interest in securing his services for their first-year racing MXGP with a factory setup.
However, Kawasaki are also expected to be keen to retain their title-winning rider, making this one of the key stories to follow during silly season.
Kay de Wolf
The MXGP rookie has been part of the Nestaan Husqvarna programme since his EMX125 days and has developed into one of the best riders in the world and winning an MX2 World title along the way. It is believed another manufacturer has tabled a substantial offer, but the KTM Group will be determined not to lose one of its brightest prospects.
While de Wolf has often spoken about his ambition to race in America one day, current expectations suggest he will remain in the MXGP paddock for the foreseeable future.
Lucas Coenen
Technically, Lucas Coenen is not in a contract year, but his future remains a major talking point.
The Belgian sensation is heavily linked with a move to the United States and is set to line up at three rounds of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship this season. While he is contracted to remain with KTM next year, there is growing speculation that his long-term future may lie stateside.
Should Coenen eventually make the move, it could potentially free up additional budget for the KTM Group to secure other key riders, including de Wolf.
Maxime Renaux
Maxime Renaux was strongly linked to Ducati last year, with the Italian manufacturer very interested in the Frenchman.
However, contractual commitments kept Renaux at Yamaha, where he has enjoyed a strong campaign so far in 2026. With his current Yamaha deal expiring at the end of the season, it will be fascinating to see whether Ducati renew their interest or if Yamaha can persuade the former MX2 World Champion to stay put. Being a front runner in MXGP, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he had another options, either.
Ruben Fernandez
The Honda HRC Petronas squad currently fields three MXGP riders: Ruben Fernandez, Jeffrey Herlings and Tom Vialle.
With both Herlings and Vialle having contracts secured beyond 2026, Fernandez’s future may depend on whether Honda continue with a three-rider MXGP structure. Regardless of Honda’s plans, the Spaniard’s speed and experience should ensure he attracts plenty of attention from rival teams if Honda decide not to continue with the same structure.
Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass is now in his second season with Kawasaki Racing Team after extending his contract with the squad towards the end of the 2025 campaign.
The Latvian has plenty of potential, but whether he continues under the KRT awning beyond 2026 remains uncertain. A decision will be made later in the season.
Alberto Forato
Fantic brought Alberto Forato into their factory setup ahead of the 2026 season on a one-year contract.
The Italian has impressed whenever healthy, and after effectively losing two seasons to injury setbacks, it has been encouraging to see him back performing at a high level. If his current form continues, a contract extension would appear to make plenty of sense for both parties.
Brent van Doninck
Brent van Doninck secured a return to factory machinery for 2026, marking his first factory ride since his Factory Yamaha MX2 days.
The Belgian knows the team well, having worked with them before they entered the Fantic programme. His familiarity with the structure could work in his favour as discussions over the future begin.
Calvin Vlaanderen
After several years with Yamaha, Calvin Vlaanderen opted for a fresh challenge by joining Ducati under Louis Vosters for the 2026 season.
The South African signed a one-year agreement, although Ducati retain an option to extend the partnership if both sides are satisfied with progress. Given the importance of continuity for a relatively new project, there is certainly a pathway for the relationship to continue.
Kevin Horgmo
Kevin Horgmo surprised some observers by committing early to a contract extension with SR Motoblouz Honda last year.
In hindsight, it proved a wise move after injury disrupted much of his 2025 campaign. The Norwegian continues to improve week by week and appears extremely comfortable within the team environment, which could make future negotiations relatively straightforward.
Oriol Oliver
It might be his rookie season in the MXGP World Championship but Spanish talent, Oriol Oliver is having a strong season under the Gabriel SS24 KTM awning. Not only is he in and around the top ten of a stacked MXGP field but he’s also challenging for the British Championship.
It’ll be interesting to see what the future holds for Oliver but he has plenty of potential and there’s no doubt the Gabriel SS24 KTM will be happy with his season so far.
Mattia Guadagnini
Mattia Guadagnini joined the Van Venrooy KTM squad for the 2026 season on a one-year deal.
Unfortunately, the Italian has been battling a shoulder injury for some time. After aggravating the issue again, he has elected to undergo treatment and focus on a full recovery. There is a possibility that he may not return before the end of the season. The team have drafted in Rick Elzinga for the rest of the season so the Dutch talent is also in a contract year and eager to impress.
Isak Gifting
One rider that we haven’t seen so far this year is Swedish talent, Isak Gifting. We understand he will start riding again soon before making a comeback in the second half of the MXGP season. The Swede signed a one-year extension with Italian based team, JK Yamaha but with more support from the factory. He will want to remind everyone of his capabilities when he returns to action.
Jeremy Seewer (free agent)
After parting ways with Ducati, Swiss talent, Jeremy Seewer is actually without a contract right now. It remains to be seen what the future holds for him but hopefully we see him back in MXGP soon with another brand.
Although the 2027 rider market is unlikely to match the changes seen ahead of the 2026 season, there are still several fascinating storylines developing behind the scenes. The futures of established stars such as Febvre, Renaux and Jonass will be one to keep an eye on, while emerging talents like de Wolf will become a talking point. There are also privateers to consider who will hope to earn a ride like Jan Pancar and Nico Greutmann. Another option for a team could be someone like Roan van de Moosdijk who is racing selected rounds this year with the Kosak KTM team.
Guillem Farres who is currently having a strong season in the MX2 World Championship ages out of the class at the end of 2026 so will have a new challenge in 2027 – whether that is MXGP or in America. Simon Längenfelder if he wins the title again will also be forced to move up but may also move up regardless.
With manufacturers already planning their future line-ups and several riders approaching key stages of their careers, the coming months promise to be another important chapter in the ever-evolving MXGP paddock.
