MotoGP: How will MotoGP fully revamp its Moto3 category from 2028?
A major new chapter in Grand Prix motorcycle racing will begin in 2028, as MotoGP and Yamaha have announced a landmark long‑term project that will see Yamaha become the exclusive motorcycle supplier for the FIM Moto3 World Championship from 2028 to 2033.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference at the Dutch GP in Assen, marking one of the most significant structural changes to the MotoGP ladder in over a decade.
The initiative is built around four core principles — accessibility, sporting integrity, technical excellence, and long‑term vision — with the shared goal of ensuring that talent remains the defining factor in rider development.
The motorcycle itself will be revealed in 2027, following a staged communication program. What is already confirmed is that Yamaha is developing a new racing prototype based on its proven CP2 platform, extensively re‑engineered for Grand Prix competition.
The aim is to deliver a superior power‑to‑weight ratio compared with current Moto3 machinery, while introducing a full‑size motorcycle better suited to the physical characteristics and riding styles of the next generation.
MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta emphasised the project’s importance not only for the World Championship but for the entire global development structure.
“We’re really proud to unveil future of Moto3, not just for the World Championship but also for its importance to grassroots programs globally.
"MotoGP is committed to growing the sport of motorcycling, supporting talent, and increasing accessibility in order to create the safest sport possible with the biggest audience.”
He highlighted that the project goes far beyond simply selecting a new bike: “With this project, we are working with Yamaha to create a global platform for young riders more than simply announcing which bike they’ll ride. We believe this change will do a lot for the sport, both outside the paddock in global terms, and here within MotoGP.”
Ezpeleta also underlined Moto3’s essential role in the MotoGP ecosystem: “Moto3 has a key role to play in our future. In sporting terms, it’s most often the first professional step of racing for riders who go on to become the global superstars. For fans, it’s an introduction to those stars of the future and a fantastic part of every Grand Prix weekend.”
He added that the new era aims to strengthen Moto3’s identity as the entry class of the World Championship: “Great action, pure talent, and engineering excellence are all on display from the start of a Grand Prix to the final flag.
"This new era for Moto3 is designed to deliver more of each and better position the competition as the entry level class in the MotoGP World Championship. This will be a fresh platform for talent and performance to shine.”
Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio described the project as a foundational investment in the future of the sport: “Moto3 has always represented the starting point of the Grand Prix dream. It is where future champions learn their craft, where talent first becomes visible and where the future of our sport begins.”
He stressed that Yamaha’s ambition extends far beyond building a motorcycle: “From the very beginning, our objective was not simply to build a motorcycle.
"Our objective was to create a platform capable of supporting riders, teams and championships for many years to come. A platform that combines accessibility, engineering efficiency and pure racing performance.”
Pavesio also highlighted the global scale of Yamaha’s commitment: “This project brings together expertise from Yamaha Motor Co., Yamaha Motor Racing and Yamaha Motor Europe. It is a truly global Yamaha effort and one that reflects our long-term commitment to motorcycle racing and rider development.”
