Yamaha to Become Exclusive Moto3 Supplier from 2028 as Grand Prix Racing Unveils Vision for Future Stars

MotoGP and Yamaha have announced one of the most significant changes to the junior Grand Prix racing ladder in recent years, unveiling a long-term partnership that will reshape Moto3 from the 2028 season onwards.

The agreement, revealed during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Assen, will see Yamaha become the exclusive motorcycle supplier for the FIM Moto3 World Championship from 2028 through to 2033.

Far more than a simple technical regulation change, the project represents a complete reimagining of the entry point into Grand Prix motorcycle racing. MotoGP and Yamaha believe the new platform will provide a more accessible, sustainable and globally connected pathway for young riders aiming to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

The initiative is designed to strengthen rider development worldwide while ensuring that talent remains the defining factor in progression through the Grand Prix ranks.

With major technical changes already scheduled for MotoGP in 2027, the announcement demonstrates how the sport is preparing not only for its immediate future but also for the next generation of world champions.

A New Chapter for Moto3 Begins

Exclusive Yamaha Supply Agreement Confirmed Until 2033

Under the new framework, Yamaha will supply every motorcycle on the Moto3 grid beginning in 2028.

The move marks a significant departure from Moto3’s current structure, where multiple manufacturers compete against each other in the lightweight category.

Officials believe a single-supplier model will create a more level playing field by reducing technical disparities between teams and placing greater emphasis on rider ability, racecraft and team performance.

The concept has already proven successful in Moto2, where standardised machinery has produced some of the closest and most competitive racing seen anywhere in motorcycle sport.

MotoGP’s leadership believes a similar approach can further strengthen Moto3 while reducing costs and improving accessibility for teams entering the championship.

The agreement will run for six seasons, providing stability and allowing teams, riders and organisers to plan for the future with confidence.

Why Moto3 Matters to the Future of MotoGP

The Championship That Creates Future World Champions

Moto3 occupies a unique position within Grand Prix racing.

For many riders, it represents the first major step on the road to MotoGP.

Over the last decade, the category has helped launch the careers of some of the biggest names in motorcycle racing, including Marc Marquez, Pedro Acosta, Jorge Martin, Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Bagnaia and numerous other Grand Prix winners.

The class serves as a critical development stage where young riders learn racecraft, tyre management, overtaking skills and the pressures associated with competing on the world stage.

Because of its importance, any change to Moto3 has a direct impact on the future talent pipeline feeding Moto2 and MotoGP.

MotoGP executives believe the new Yamaha project will strengthen that pathway by creating a clearer progression system that extends far beyond the World Championship itself.

Yamaha Developing an All-New Grand Prix Prototype

New Machine Built Around Proven CP2 Technology

At the centre of the project will be a completely new racing motorcycle developed specifically for Moto3 competition.

The machine will be based on Yamaha’s highly successful CP2 production platform, which currently powers several of the company’s road-going models.

However, officials have stressed that the Moto3 bike will be far more than a modified production motorcycle.

Engineers are creating a purpose-built Grand Prix racing prototype that has been extensively redesigned for competition at the highest level of junior motorcycle racing.

The objective is to produce a machine that delivers a superior power-to-weight ratio compared with the current generation of Moto3 bikes while remaining accessible and cost-effective for teams.

Yamaha and MotoGP have also indicated that the motorcycle will be physically larger than the current Moto3 machines, making it better suited to the size and riding style of modern riders.

As riders entering Grand Prix racing continue to become taller and stronger, officials believe a full-size platform will provide a more natural transition towards Moto2 and eventually MotoGP.

Focus on Accessibility and Cost Control

Creating a More Sustainable Future for Teams

One of the primary motivations behind the project is the desire to make Grand Prix racing more accessible.

Over recent years, the cost of competing in professional motorcycle racing has increased significantly, creating barriers for teams and young riders attempting to enter the sport.

By introducing a standardised platform, MotoGP and Yamaha hope to reduce development expenses while maintaining a high level of technical sophistication.

The approach allows teams to focus more heavily on rider development, race preparation and operational excellence rather than expensive technical competition.

Officials believe this will create opportunities for a broader range of teams and riders to compete successfully at international level.

The ultimate aim is to ensure that future champions emerge because of their ability rather than the financial advantages available to particular teams or manufacturers.

Moto3 Changes Will Extend Beyond the World Championship

Global Development Programme Planned

The project’s ambitions extend far beyond the Moto3 World Championship itself.

MotoGP and Yamaha have confirmed that the new motorcycle platform will gradually be introduced across other development categories around the world.

From 2029 onwards, the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship is expected to adopt a lower-specification version of the motorcycle.

The Junior World Championship has traditionally served as one of the most important stepping stones towards Grand Prix racing, helping develop riders before they reach the world stage.

Officials have also revealed that discussions are already underway with several regional championships interested in adopting the same platform.

The long-term vision is to create a global development structure where riders can progress through multiple levels of competition using machinery based on the same fundamental concept.

Such a system would provide greater consistency in rider development and make transitions between championships considerably smoother.

Yamaha Strengthens Its Commitment to Grand Prix Racing

Manufacturer Expands Role in Rider Development

For Yamaha, the project represents a major expansion of its involvement in nurturing future racing talent.

While the Japanese manufacturer has enjoyed enormous success in MotoGP over several decades, this initiative allows Yamaha to become directly involved in the earliest stages of a rider’s Grand Prix journey.

The programme brings together expertise from Yamaha Motor Company, Yamaha Motor Racing and Yamaha Motor Europe.

According to Yamaha executives, the collaboration represents a truly global effort designed to support motorcycle racing for many years to come.

Rather than focusing solely on building a competitive motorcycle, Yamaha says its objective is to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports riders, teams and championships alike.

That philosophy aligns closely with MotoGP’s broader goal of growing participation in motorcycle racing worldwide.

Prototype Development Already Underway

Testing Programme Scheduled Before Official Launch

Although the motorcycle itself has not yet been revealed publicly, development work is already progressing behind the scenes.

MotoGP and Yamaha have confirmed that prototype testing activities are scheduled to begin later this year.

The first public unveiling of the machine is expected during 2027, giving teams and stakeholders an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new platform before its championship debut in 2028.

A structured communication programme will provide updates throughout the development process, allowing fans to follow the creation of what could become one of the most important motorcycles in junior Grand Prix racing history.

The gradual rollout is intended to ensure teams have sufficient preparation time before the new era officially begins.

MotoGP’s Long-Term Vision Comes into Focus

Building the Next Generation of Champions

The announcement forms part of a broader strategy currently shaping the future of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

With MotoGP preparing for major technical regulation changes in 2027, including new engine specifications and revised aerodynamic rules, attention is increasingly turning towards the long-term health of the sport.

Moto3 remains the foundation upon which future generations of riders are built.

By creating a more unified, accessible and globally connected development platform, MotoGP hopes to strengthen that foundation for decades to come.

Officials believe the project will not only improve competition but also expand opportunities for talented riders regardless of geographical location or financial background.

The emphasis remains firmly on identifying and developing the world’s best young racers.

Key Dates for the New Moto3 Project

2026

• Project officially announced during the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen.
• Initial development and testing programme begins.

2027

• First public unveiling of the new Yamaha Moto3 motorcycle.
• Continued prototype testing and technical development.

2028

• Yamaha becomes exclusive motorcycle supplier for the Moto3 World Championship.
• New Moto3 era officially begins.

2029

• Moto3 Junior World Championship expected to adopt a lower-specification version of the platform.
• Potential expansion into additional regional championships.

2033

• Current Yamaha-MotoGP supply agreement concludes.

More Than a Motorcycle

The new Moto3 project represents far more than the introduction of a different racing machine.

It is a strategic effort to redefine how young riders enter and progress through Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

By combining Yamaha’s engineering expertise with MotoGP’s global vision for rider development, the initiative aims to create a sustainable pathway capable of producing future world champions for years to come.

As MotoGP enters a period of major transformation both on and off the track, the announcement at Assen may ultimately prove to be one of the most important decisions shaping the sport’s future.

The next generation of Grand Prix stars now has a new road ahead—and Yamaha will be leading the way.