MotoGP to ban wildcard entries from 2027
MotoGP will no longer allow wildcard entries from the start of the 2027 season, tyre pressure monitoring system to continue.
MotoGP has announced that wildcard entries will be ‘discontinued’ for all manufacturers from the start of 2027.
The decision brings to an end the occasional appearance of test riders, most of whom are retired full-time MotoGP riders, on race weekends.
No explanation was provided, but it means that test riders will only be given race opportunities in future if they are replacing an injured rider.
The move significantly reduces the chances of a rider opting for a test riding role in the hope of using wildcard outings to secure a full-time MotoGP seat.
Last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix saw the first wildcards of the season, by Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha) and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia).
Other current factory test riders include former MotoGP race winners Aleix Espargaro (Honda), Andrea Dovizioso (Yamaha), Dani Pedrosa (KTM), plus Takaaki Nakagami (Honda), Pol Espargaro (KTM) and Michele Pirro (Ducati).
Ducati is already unable to field wildcards, due to its ‘A’ concession status, but the other manufacturers are allowed six wildcards per season.
The last MotoGP podium by a wildcard was for Pedrosa in the 2024 Jerez Sprint race, after a post-race tyre-pressure penalty for Fabio Quartararo.
While home wildcards such as Pedrosa help boost local interest in a grand prix, they can also provide technical interest - Fernandez using a wildcard to debut the new Yamaha V4 at Misano last season.
All manufacturers will start on concession rank B in 2027, with rankings revised at the mid-season checkpoint.
The Grand Prix Commission also announced that any remaining 2026 wildcards are not allowed to compete on 2027-spec 850cc machinery, regardless of a manufacturer’s concession rank.
Meanwhile, the real-time tyre pressure monitoring system will remain for the start of the Pirelli era next season, meaning in-race measurements will continue to determine whether pressures are legal.
A full list of the latest rule modifications can be seen below:
Decisions of the Grand Prix Commission
MotoGP wildcards discontinued – effective 2027
Wildcards in the MotoGP class will no longer be permitted from the 2027 season onwards. This will apply to all manufacturers, regardless of their Concession Rank.
Wildcards will remain permitted for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes.
2026 MotoGP wildcards not permitted with 2027 machinery – effective immediately
Wildcard entries in the MotoGP class in 2026 are not permitted to run 2027-spec 850cc machinery, regardless of a manufacturer’s concession rank.
MotoGP Start Delayed procedure countdown – effective immediately
After a Start Delayed is declared on the grid, the countdown to the Warm Up lap will now resume at the 5-minute board rather than the 3-minute board.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring system to continue in 2027 – effective 2027
The tyre pressure monitoring system currently in use in the MotoGP class will continue into the 2027 season.
Heartrate monitors permitted in Moto2/Moto3 – effective immediately
Heartrate monitors are officially permitted in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes as an optional sensor.
Clarifications in the wording have also been applied regarding extra testing for MotoGP riders following injury and MotoGP electronics homologation regulations for the IMU.
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