What’s still to come in the second half of the 2025 MotoGP season?
15 August 2025With the MotoGP summer break over, we fix our gaze on Austria and the Red Bull Ring, but in the background, the silly season is in full swing too.
As the second half of 2025 looms, the 2026 grid is slowly taking shape, but there’s plenty of spectacular racing action still to come in the remaining 10 races.
Four seats still up for grabs
As of the Grand Prix of Czechia, four riders remain without confirmed contracts for 2026:
- Johann Zarco’s spot at CASTROL Honda LCR
- The Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP ride currently held by Jack Miller
- Luca Marini on the Honda HRC Castrol
- Franco Morbidelli with Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
While these are the openings still officially available, history tells us that even contracted riders aren’t immune to drama a contract release clause can bring.
Jorge Martin stays put
One of the year’s most talked-about sagas – Jorge Martin’s future – has now been settled. After weeks of speculation, the reigning World Champion confirmed that he will stay with Aprilia Racing for 2026.
Acosta linked to VR46, but staying with KTM for now
2024’s Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta is under contract with the factory KTM outfit for 2026, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill linking him to VR46. Team director Alessio Salucci recently confirmed that Pedro won’t be joining the squad next year, though a 2027 switch isn’t off the table.
Puzzle pieces falling into place at Honda
Johann Zarco looks increasingly likely to stay within Honda’s MotoGP ranks after his triumph at the French Grand Prix, while Luca Marini’s renewal at the factory team is reported to be close to a done deal. However, change may be coming to the other side of the LCR garage, with Moto2’s Diogo Moreira linked to a move that could replace Somkiat Chantra, who is currently sidelined through injury.
Bastianini rumoured for Yamaha switch
It’s been a tricky debut season at KTM for Enea Bastianini, who is yet to qualify higher than 11th. Reports suggest he could replace Jack Miller at Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP for 2026.
WorldSBK stars enter the frame
WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu will finally make his MotoGP debut in 2026 with Prima Pramac Yamaha, while his closest challenger in the standings, Nicolo Bulega will stay in Superbikes but become Ducati’s official MotoGP test rider.
The rest of the 2025 Season
The second half of the MotoGP season kicks off in the Styrian Alps at the Red Bull Ring, and all eyes are on whether Championship leader Marc Marquez can finally crack Austria, a circuit he’s never won at.
Getting the monkey off Marc’s back
Despite a staggering run of five consecutive wins and a commanding 120-point advantage in this year’s standings, the Ducati rider has never stood on the top at the Red Bull Ring, with his last podium dating back to 2019.
The Austrian GP has been a thorn in his side, but with his current form, few would bet against him. If he can overcome that hurdle, the question is how far can Marc take his current winning streak? Could he beat his personal record of 10 from 2014? Or are his sights set further towards Giacomo Agostini’s all-time record of 20?
A springboard to bounce back from?
Looking to stop Marc is Francesco Bagnaia, who has been the undisputed master of the Red Bull Ring since 2022. The Italian has a perfect winning record here over the past three years and is determined to use Austria as a platform to get back to the sharp end of fight.
With his recent self-assessment hinting at a more aggressive approach, Pecco could be the one to finally put the brakes on Marquez’s dominance. If he can get the job done in Austria, that could give him the confidence to take on his team-mate more regularly for the rest of the year.
Aprilia on a charge
Marco Bezzecchi and the Aprilia Racing squad arrive with serious momentum, having scored two Grand Prix podiums and two Sprint podiums in the last three rounds.
Bezzecchi has been one of the few riders able to put Marquez under pressure this season, while teammate Jorge Martin is looking to build on a solid return to action at Brno.
If both riders are firing on all cylinders, the second half of the season could be a strong one for the Italian outfit.
A turning point for KTM?
The home heroes at KTM will have the crowd in their corner, and they arrive with plenty of optimism off the back of Pedro Acosta’s Czechia podium, while Enea Bastianini also claimed a rostrum finish in the Brno Sprint hinting at a potential resurgence.
For the Austrian manufacturer, the Red Bull Ring is the most important race of the year, and if recent results are anything to go by, they’re ready to deliver. Meanwhile, Brad Binder will be hoping to rekindle the magic of his sensational 2021 Austrian GP victory.
