What is Trackhouse Racing?

Trackhouse Racing is an American-owned team that competes in MotoGP. They operate as an independent, or 'satellite', team using motorcycles supplied by the Italian manufacturer Aprilia.

Why is a contract for 2027-2028 so significant?

It covers the first two seasons of a new era for MotoGP, when the technical rules change significantly. This includes a reduction in engine size to 850cc and major restrictions on aerodynamics.

What is an independent team in MotoGP?

An independent team (also called a satellite team) is a private organisation that leases its motorcycles and receives technical support from one of the main manufacturers, as opposed to being the manufacturer's official 'factory' team.

Raul Fernandez Extends Contract with Trackhouse Racing Until 2028

Trackhouse Racing has secured Spanish rider Raul Fernandez for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, rewarding his strong form ahead of MotoGP's new technical era.

In a significant move for the future of the MotoGP grid, American team Trackhouse Racing has confirmed it will retain Spanish rider Raul Fernandez for two more years. The new deal secures his place at the Aprilia satellite team for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

This early contract extension is a major vote of confidence in Fernandez, whose impressive performances during the 2026 season have clearly caught the attention of team management. It provides welcome stability for both rider and team as the sport heads towards a period of major change.

What does this announcement mean?

For a rider, a multi-year contract is the ultimate sign of a team’s belief in their ability. With Fernandez currently sitting sixth in the world championship standings with 159 points, this new deal is a reward for his consistent speed and results throughout the 2026 campaign.

More importantly, it allows him to focus entirely on his racing for the remainder of this season and the next, without the distraction of negotiating his future. For the team, it means they have locked in a talented rider they know well, which is a huge advantage when developing a new bike.

Who are Trackhouse Racing?

Trackhouse Racing is one of the newest teams on the MotoGP grid, but they have a huge amount of experience from other forms of motorsport. The team is American-owned and is famous for its success in the US-based stock car series, NASCAR.

In MotoGP, Trackhouse operates as an ‘independent’ or ‘satellite’ team. This means they are not a full manufacturer team (like the main Ducati or Yamaha squads), but instead lease their machinery and receive technical support from a factory – in this case, Italian manufacturer Aprilia. They bring a fresh, American style of marketing and presentation to the world championship.

The professional setup of the Trackhouse Racing pit garage, with an Aprilia bike at its centre.

Why is this deal so long?

A contract that stretches to the end of 2028 is a big commitment, and the timing is crucial. The 2027 season marks the beginning of a brand-new era for MotoGP, with the most significant change to the technical rules in years.

By securing Fernandez now, Trackhouse has ensured continuity through this uncertain period. When developing a completely new motorcycle, having a rider who can provide consistent and reliable feedback is incredibly valuable. It removes a major unknown from the team’s planning process.

What are the new rules for 2027?

Starting in 2027, the bikes will be quite different from the ones we see today. The main change is to the engines, which will be reduced in size from 1000cc to 850cc. The goal is to make the sport a little safer by slightly reducing top speeds and to make the bikes more road-relevant.

Another key change involves . The complex wings and devices you see on the front and rear of current bikes, which help push the tyres into the track for more grip, will be significantly restricted. This will place more emphasis on a rider’s skill to control the bike and will likely lead to closer, more exciting racing.

A detailed view of the complex aerodynamic winglets on the front of a current-era MotoGP machine.

How does this affect the championship?

This announcement is one of the first major pieces of the puzzle to fall into place for the 2027 grid. The ‘rider market’, much like a transfer window in football, is the period where riders and teams negotiate contracts. With Fernandez’s seat now confirmed, the attention will turn to other riders whose contracts are expiring.

Every time a rider signs a deal, it has a knock-on effect, causing other teams and riders to make their moves. By acting early, Trackhouse and Fernandez have taken themselves out of the frantic negotiations that will happen over the next year, securing their partnership for the dawn of MotoGP’s new 850cc era.

A MotoGP rider cornering at high speed, demonstrating the skill and commitment needed in the championship.

Quick Takeaways

Raul Fernandez will continue to ride for Trackhouse Racing until at least the end of the 2028 season.
The deal is a reward for his strong performance in the current 2026 championship.
It provides crucial stability for both rider and team ahead of major new technical rules being introduced in 2027.
This is an important early move in the rider market, locking in one of the key seats on the future grid.