The MotoGP concession system, implemented last year, aims to support various manufacturers by providing them opportunities for engine development and testing. As the season progresses, it appears that both KTM and Aprilia will gain the ability to develop their engines and conduct tests with their factory riders starting in August. Currently, these two manufacturers are categorized as “Category C,” which restricts their riders from private testing and engine modifications due to regulatory freezes.
The classification system in MotoGP has four categories: A, B, C, and D. Ducati is categorized in group A, while Honda and Yamaha are placed in group D, granting them unlimited testing opportunities and full engine development capabilities. This framework was designed to level the playing field, especially considering the significant performance gap that Ducati has established over its competitors.
As the first five races of the season unfold, the results suggest a strong likelihood that both KTM and Aprilia will move up to group D, joining Honda and Yamaha. Aprilia’s situation is particularly critical, as the absence of world champion Jorge Martin has severely impacted their performance. Martin has only been able to compete in one of the initial five races, participating in Qatar while still recovering from injuries sustained in a previous crash.
The evaluation of concessions is based on two defined periods, focusing on the points accumulated by each manufacturer’s highest-placed rider in both sprint and main races. The first evaluation window stretches from the opening round of the season until the last race before the summer break. The second window takes place from the event following the summer break to the final race before the subsequent summer.
To maintain their Category C status, both KTM and Aprilia must collect at least 35% of all available points between the British Grand Prix in 2024 and the Czech Grand Prix at Brno, which occurs from July 18-20. This equates to a challenging target of 298 points out of a maximum of 851. Aprilia faces a particularly steep challenge; they need to accumulate 118 points over the next seven races, averaging around 16.8 points per weekend. Currently, their average stands at only 10.6 points per race.
In contrast, KTM’s outlook is more promising. With a total of 220 points thanks to strong performances throughout 2024, they require an additional 78 points over the remaining seven races leading up to Brno. Their average of 11.6 points per round this season would just meet the requirement, but it leaves them with a narrow margin for error.
Yamaha’s situation remains stable for now, especially following Fabio Quartararo’s impressive second-place finish in Jerez, which marked both his and Yamaha’s first podium in a year and a half. This performance brought a significant boost to the Iwata-based team, allowing them to climb to second place in the constructors’ standings with 62 points. However, Ducati continues to lead considerably with 185 points, having achieved perfect results in the initial five rounds of the season.
When considering points from late 2024 alongside those earned in 2025, Yamaha’s total reaches 139 points. To ascend to a higher category before the Brno race in July, they would need to secure an additional 159 points—an almost unattainable goal, as it would necessitate an average of 22.7 points per Grand Prix. Currently, Yamaha’s average for 2025 is just 12.4 points per race.
Moreover, Yamaha is heavily invested in the development of its upcoming V4 engine project. This focus likely indicates that the team would prefer to remain in group D, as this category is the only one that permits engine development and on-track testing with factory riders.
As the MotoGP season unfolds, the implications of these classifications and the performance of manufacturers will be closely monitored. The concession system is designed to ensure that manufacturers like KTM and Aprilia can catch up to the more established teams, fostering competition and innovation within the sport.
The challenges faced by Aprilia, particularly due to the absence of Jorge Martin, highlight the unpredictable nature of motorcycle racing. Injuries and other factors can significantly affect a team’s performance, making it critical for manufacturers to adapt quickly and efficiently to changing circumstances.
KTM, on the other hand, is in a position to capitalize on its momentum. The team has demonstrated resilience and competitiveness, which will be essential as they aim to secure enough points to transition to a more advantageous testing category.
In conclusion, the dynamics of the MotoGP concession system and the evolving performance of each manufacturer will play a crucial role in shaping the remainder of the season. With upcoming races providing opportunities for adjustments and improvements, the teams will need to strategize effectively to achieve their goals. As the competition heats up, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing the developments that unfold on the track. The upcoming races will not only determine the standings but also the future strategies of these manufacturers as they vie for supremacy in the world of MotoGP.
