MotoGP's mid-season concessions review has reshaped the competitive landscape, with Ducati slipping out of the top category for the first time in years, while Aprilia moves up the rankings and Honda gains valuable development freedoms for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The latest evaluation, conducted after the German Grand Prix, determines each manufacturer's concessions ranking based on points collected over the previous 12 months. The system governs testing opportunities, wildcard entries, engine development and tire allocations.
After years of dominating MotoGP, Ducati has dropped from Rank A to Rank B after scoring 84.5 percent of the available points over the past year, narrowly missing the 85 percent threshold required to remain in the highest category.
The change gives the Italian manufacturer greater flexibility despite the apparent downgrade. Ducati is now entitled to three wildcard entries and will see its allocation of test tires increase from 170 to 190. The extra development opportunities could allow test rider Michele Pirro to make more race appearances, while future VR46 rider Nicolo Bulega could also be considered for wildcard outings as Ducati continues refining its machinery.
Aprilia, meanwhile, has been rewarded for its steady rise in competitiveness. The Noale-based manufacturer has improved its score to 72 percent of the available points, earning a promotion from Rank C to Rank B. Although the move reduces its test tire allocation from 220 to 190, the higher ranking reflects the progress Aprilia has made in closing the gap to the front of the field.
Honda has experienced the biggest shift after dropping from Rank C to Rank D. The Japanese manufacturer has collected just 31.8 percent of the available points over the past 12 months, placing it in the lowest concessions category.
While the results underline Honda's struggles, Rank D provides several important development advantages. The factory can conduct private tests with its race riders, receives an additional 40 test tires and regains unrestricted engine development, giving it more freedom to improve the RC213V.
KTM remains in Rank C after collecting 49.8 percent of the available points, while Yamaha stays in Rank D with 23.5 percent.
The current concessions system, however, is approaching its final chapter. It will be reset at the end of the 2026 season as MotoGP prepares for sweeping technical changes in 2027.
Under the new regulations, every manufacturer will begin on equal footing in Rank B as the championship introduces 850cc engines and switches to Pirelli as its exclusive tire supplier.
Development for the next generation of MotoGP bikes is already underway. Prototype machines have completed early testing at Brno, with further track time scheduled after the Austrian Grand Prix. The full grid is then expected to get its first official taste of the new era during the Valencia test on Dec. 1, marking the beginning of MotoGP's next generation.
