Wildcards to be banned in MotoGP

Following meetings throughout March and April, MotoGP’s Grand Prix Commission announced some significant changes to the premier class, some of which take effect immediately, with others to be introduced for the 2027 season.

The key change is to wildcards in the premier class. Effective immediately, wildcards will not be permitted to use the 850cc machinery that will come into effect for the 2027 season, replacing the current 1,000cc bikes. This is, presumably, to prevent manufacturers circumventing testing limits by using the race weekend to run future machinery in race conditions, as Yamaha did with their V4 engine last season ahead of its introduction this year.

Wildcard entries on 2026-spec bikes are still allowed for the remainder of this season, but no wildcard entries of any type will be allowed in MotoGP from 2027. This applies to all manufacturers, regardless of their concession ranking. No explanation was given for the decision, although the commission did state that wildcards will still be allowed in Moto2 and Moto3.

Banning all MotoGP wildcards for 2027 means manufacturers will no longer be able to utilise either test or guest riders at a race weekend, as Ducati notably did with Troy Bayliss in 2006. Opportunities for such riders beyond 2026 will be limited to when they’re substituting for an injured rider, as Nicolo Bulega did for the injured Marc Marquez at Ducati last year.

The other changes related to the premier class include a change to the Start Delayed procedure. Effective immediately, the countdown to a delayed start will resume at the 5-minute board, rather than the 3-minute board, allowing more time for teams.

Tyre pressure monitoring will remain for 2027 when MotoGP switches to Pirelli tyres as well as 850cc bikes, using the same system currently employed for the Michelin control tyres.

Finally, for the Moto2 and Moto3 class, heartrate monitors will be allowed as an “optional sensor”.