As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, the silly season continues to dominate discussions, and rightly so. We’re beginning to see more concrete developments in what has been one of the most unpredictable rounds of musical chairs in recent times. With the commotion starting to settle, let’s examine the latest updates, especially with several announcements made before the races in Barcelona.
CONTRACT RENEWALS: Remaining Seats in the Musical Chairs Game
Only two seats on the grid remain unconfirmed for 2026: Jack Miller’s at Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP and Somkiat Chantra’s at IDEMITSU Honda LCR. This is following three recent announcements ahead of the Catalan GP. Johann Zarco is set to stay with HRC at CASTROL Honda LCR for 2026 and 2027, while Luca Marini has confirmed his position with Honda HRC Castrol for 2026. Additionally, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has announced that Franco Morbidelli will remain with the team for next year. No surprises there.
As September unfolds, it’s likely that the remaining two seats at Prima Pramac Yamaha and IDEMITSU Honda LCR will be confirmed shortly.
JORGE MARTIN: A Key Story in 2025
A significant storyline this season has been Jorge Martin’s statement released post-British GP in May. During the Dutch GP weekend, further comments came from Martin’s manager Albert Valera, followed by remarks from Aprilia Racing’s CEO Massimo Rivola, who asserted that Martin is under contract for 2026. Eventually, Martin confirmed that he will indeed stay with Aprilia for 2026, putting to rest any speculation about otherteams looking to secure a factory Aprilia ride.
CONFIRMATIONS: ZARCO AND MARINI STAY PUT
As previously noted, both Marini and Zarco are remaining in their current positions. However, there remains potential for shifts within LCR, as rumors suggest the team might alter its strategy on the opposite side of the garage. Reports have emerged linking Moto2 standout Diogo Moreira to a three-year deal with HRC (and Yamaha) to take over Chantra’s spot, making this transition increasingly likely, particularly after Manuel Gonzalez, Moreira’s Moto2 rival, has confirmed he will stay with LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP for 2026.
MILLER AND OLIVEIRA: WHO WILL STAY?
The ongoing storyline surrounding Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira has persisted for months, but a conclusion seems imminent. If reports are accurate, Miller voiced his expectations for a decision concerning his future while in Hungary, indicating he may have secured the opportunity to team up with Toprak Razgatlioglu next season. Time will tell if this turns out to be the case.
WORLD SUPERBIKE TRANSFERS: RAZGATLIOGLU IN, BULEGA AS A TEST RIDER
Fans of motorcycle racing have long awaited the arrival of Toprak Razgatlioglu to MotoGP, and the wait is finally over for 2026. The WorldSBK champion is set to join Prima Pramac Yamaha, triggering excitement in both paddocks as the impacts on remaining seat allocations play out. Additionally, current WorldSBK leader Nicolo Bulega will continue in WorldSBK with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team but has also been appointed as an official Ducati test rider in MotoGP, setting the stage for future collaborations as they prepare for regulatory changes in 2027.
ANTICIPATION FOR MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS
The situation remains fluid as we await more confirmations from teams, factories, and riders. Until official announcements are made, it’s impossible to determine the veracity of various rumors swirling around—some may even serve to bolster someone’s negotiating position. Notably, one of the most surprising moves in recent years, Marc Marquez to Gresini, wasn’t revealed until the arrival in Indonesia. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements in the days and weeks ahead.
