Alex Márquez secures 2027 KTM seat as Fabio di Giannantonio joins

On 5 July 2026 Red Bull KTM announced that **Alex Márquez** will ride for the factory team in the upcoming 2027 850cc MotoGP season, and that Italian rookie **Fabio di Giannantonio** will sit beside him. The double confirmation reshapes KTM’s line‑up and signals the end of Brad Binder’s seven‑year stint with the squad.

KTM’s motorsport director Pit Beirer revealed that Márquez was the first rider confirmed for the new 850cc era, followed a few hours later by the signing of di Giannantonio. The Italian, a former Moto2 front‑runner, is described as a “consistent front‑running guy” whose speed and team spirit fit the factory project. The announcement finalises KTM’s two‑rider roster for 2027, putting the Spanish rider and the newcomer on a clear path together.

Márquez’s confirmation cements his role as a cornerstone of KTM’s transition to the larger‑capacity bikes. After a mixed 2025‑2026 campaign, the Spaniard now has a guaranteed seat for at least two seasons, giving him stability to develop the new machinery. The move also removes any speculation about his future, allowing him to focus on adapting to the 850cc power delivery and competing against Ducati, Yamaha and Aprilia’s fully‑confirmed line‑ups.

Di Giannantonio’s arrival replaces veteran Brad Binder, whose contract was not renewed. The South African’s departure opens a slot for a rider with fresh momentum, and KTM hopes the duo will push each other in testing. Beirer praised di Giannantonio’s “passion to give the maximum on track and off it,” suggesting a collaborative environment that could accelerate bike development.

With both seats locked, KTM joins Ducati, Aprilia and Yamaha in having a complete factory roster. Honda remains the only major team yet to confirm its line‑up, though rumors link 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo with a possible seat. Meanwhile, Tech3 KTM will need to announce its 2027 plans, potentially fielding a mix of experienced riders and Moto2 talent. The stage is set for a tightly contested season as the new 850cc formula rolls out.

The confirmation underscores the shift toward larger engines, prompting all manufacturers to finalize their rider selections quickly. Márquez’s early commitment may give KTM a strategic edge in testing schedules, while di Giannantonio’s fresh perspective could bring innovative feedback. Fans will watch closely to see if the pair can challenge the established order and deliver podiums in the inaugural 850cc year.