**Title:** “2025 MotoGP Rider Market Shake-Up: The Biggest Losers and Missed Opportunities

The major casualties in MotoGP’s 2025 rider market shake-up

Which riders were hit hardest by the 2025 market changes?

The roster of riders for the 2025 MotoGP season is finalized as Yamaha has confirmed the signing of Jack Miller to compete for Pramac next year.

It was widely expected that Miller would be appointed on the eve of the Pramac-sponsored Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Reports of the appointment had been circulating for several weeks, especially after a British Grand Prix where the Australian's prospects in MotoGP appeared much less promising than they currently are.

The most significant surprise in the rider market emerged in June, thanks to Ducati and Marc Marquez’s strategic move to clinch the open factory team position at the Italian brand. However, few unexpected names have remained without a seat after the dust settled.

However, there are a few notable riders in both MotoGP and Moto2 who are currently on the sidelines as they eye the 2025 season.

We select the most distinguished individuals.

Joe Roberts

Many would agree that Roberts, a leading competitor in Moto2, is the most unexpected omission from the 2025 MotoGP lineup.

Initially, when the idea emerged that Trackhouse Racing would expand from NASCAR into MotoGP, taking over the spot left by the dissolved RNF team, Roberts was already mentioned as a possible candidate for a seat in 2025.

Ultimately, it was logical for a team from the United States to have a rider who was born in the country.

Following an impressive beginning to the 2024 Moto2 season with the American Racing team, where he topped the championship standings after the Spanish Grand Prix and stayed competitive even after sustaining an injury at Assen, a transfer to Trackhouse seemed probable.

Trackhouse had discussions with Roberts regarding a position for the 2025 season, but in a surprising decision, the American team chose Ai Ogura, who is currently leading the Moto2 championship, over him.

However, considering Roberts' performance has been inconsistent over the past six rounds while Ogura has maintained his strength, it's clear that the more skilled rider was chosen. Nonetheless, the decision of a US team to overlook the only promising American candidate in the paddock at the moment is a harsh blow and might have permanently closed the MotoGP opportunity for Roberts.

Sergio Garcia

The fact that Garcia is being passed over for a MotoGP spot in 2025 highlights one of the most striking instances where holding a Spanish passport can actually be a significant disadvantage, despite common perceptions.

The MT Helmets Moto2 competitor was among those considered for the Pramac position next to Miguel Oliveira, a spot that has since been filled by Jack Miller.

Garcia later revealed that three MotoGP teams had approached him with offers. However, all opportunities eventually fell through. Specifically regarding the Pramac team, the championship's desire to maintain an Australian rider in the lineup played against Garcia's chances.

Garcia, who has led the championship for a considerable time and secured two victories this season, deserved a promotion to MotoGP. However, as opportunities became scarce, the mental toll affected his performance significantly. Since the race in Austria, he has only accumulated six points and relinquished his lead in the rankings to his teammate Ogura during the San Marino Grand Prix.

Garcia's aspirations for MotoGP in 2025 are currently postponed. However, if his team and support network can't help him overcome the disappointment of being unfairly pushed aside for 2025, his opportunities might vanish entirely.

Alonso Lopez

The Spanish rider hasn't enjoyed as successful a Moto2 season as competitors like Ogura or Garcia, but he has been a consistent performer and is still in the running for the championship.

Lopez has fallen short because, between the two Speed Up team riders – him and Fermin Aldeguer – he has consistently been on par with his more acclaimed teammate.

Prior to the commencement of the season, Aldeguer secured a two-year contract with Ducati, paving the way for his transition to MotoGP in 2025 with a satellite team. Meanwhile, Lopez has previously been associated with Yamaha, and with the Japanese manufacturer establishing a satellite team for 2025, he emerged as a potential candidate.

After missing the chance to join Pramac, Lopez will continue racing in Moto2 for another year. However, considering that Aldeguer hasn't quite met expectations in 2023, Lopez has every reason to believe that he has performed equally well this season and is deserving of a promotion to MotoGP.

Takaaki Nakagami

When speculation first arose about Ai Ogura potentially joining Trackhouse, it seemed that Nakagami's prospects of remaining with LCR Honda for the 2025 season were quite solid.

As the summer break approached, Nakagami appeared to have decided to continue his racing career into 2025, despite the recent challenges with the Honda project.

However, when Somkiat Chantra entered the scene, the appeal of having a well-known Thai racer on the team turned out to be a smarter decision for Honda. This was seen as more advantageous than keeping a veteran rider who had largely kept his position at LCR due to his nationality.

Although Nakagami hasn't been particularly impressive recently, his input has been crucial for Honda's ongoing development of the RC213V. This contribution alone arguably warranted extending his contract for another year until 2025.

Nakagami will stay with Honda as a development rider and will probably have a few wildcard chances next season. Therefore, things haven't turned out too poorly for the Japanese rider.

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