Photo: Jan Kasl / Red Bull Content Pool
MotoGP is preparing to introduce a minimum yearly salary for all full-time riders from the 2027 season. The move is designed to reduce the large pay gap in the championship and give riders greater financial security in one of the world’s most dangerous sports.
MotoGP is planning to introduce a minimum salary for its riders from the 2027 season. This would be an important change for the sport and could help many riders feel more secure about their future.
At the moment, riders in MotoGP earn very different amounts of money. The biggest stars can earn more than ten million euros each year. However, some riders in smaller or independent teams earn much less. In some cases, their basic pay is only around one hundred thousand euros a year. This large difference has caused concern inside the sport.
The new plan would make sure that every full-time MotoGP rider earns at least 500,000 euros per year. This would be a basic salary. It would not include extra bonuses for race wins, podium finishes, or championship results. Riders would still be able to earn more money through performance rewards and personal sponsorship deals.
The idea of a minimum salary has been discussed as part of a new commercial agreement that will run from 2027 to 2031. The championship is organised by Dorna Sports, and it has been working with the teams and manufacturers to agree on the new rules. The aim is to make the sport fairer and more stable for everyone involved.
Some riders have spoken in the past about the need for better financial protection. For example, Jack Miller has previously said that riders risk their lives every weekend and deserve proper pay and security. Racing at speeds of more than 350 kilometres per hour is dangerous, and injuries are common in the sport.
The proposal has been discussed during race weekends, including meetings held in Buriram, Thailand. Team bosses and manufacturers still need to give their final approval before the rule becomes official. If they agree, the minimum salary will start in 2027.
If introduced, this rule would be one of the biggest changes to rider contracts in modern MotoGP history. It would not affect the top stars very much, but it could make a huge difference for riders in smaller teams. Many people believe it is a positive step that shows the sport is growing stronger and more professional.
F1 and MotoGP news
New articles every day
News from around the world
Reports from races
NewsGP s.r.o.
Nové Sady 988/2
602 00, Brno, Czechia
IČO 22343776
European Union
We have established partnerships with circuits, organizers, and official partners. As we do not collaborate directly with the owner of the Formula 1 licensing, it is necessary for us to include the following statement:
This website is unofficial and is not associated in any way with the Formula 1 companies. F1, FORMULA ONE, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing B.V.