Over the next ten years, MotoGP is poised for a generational shift. As household names like Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio Quartararo eventually step back from the spotlight, a wave of fresh talent is already emerging.
These riders may be “almost unknown” to casual fans in 2025, but their performances suggest they will shape the sport’s future. And for fans following the odds through promotions like the Ladbrokes sign up offer will have a front-row seat to watch these rising stars establish themselves.
From Moto2 champions to breakthrough rookies, the next decade is likely to transform these names into global stars.
Ai Ogura: Japan’s new flagbearer
Ai Ogura’s debut in MotoGP with Trackhouse Racing in 2025 comes with both excitement and history. Crowned Moto2 World Champion in 2024—the first Japanese rider to achieve the feat in 15 years—Ogura enters the premier class with proven race craft and composure.
While Japanese riders have a rich legacy in MotoGP, the recent gap in top-class contenders has been noticeable. Ogura has the technical precision and calm under pressure to fill that void, especially if he can adapt quickly to the demanding premier-class machinery. His debut year will likely be one of adaptation, but by the late 2020s, he could easily be a consistent podium threat.
Fermin Aldeguer: Spain’s next phenomenon
Fermin Aldeguer has already made waves in Moto2, most notably with a record-equalling four consecutive wins in 2023. His transition to MotoGP with Gresini Racing in 2025 is one of the most anticipated rookie moves of the season.
What sets Aldeguer apart is his aggressive riding style combined with an uncanny ability to conserve tire life—two traits that translate well to MotoGP’s race demands. Spain has long been a powerhouse in motorcycle racing, and Aldeguer is well positioned to carry that tradition forward.
Somkiat Chantra: Thailand’s historic entry
When Somkiat Chantra lined up for LCR Honda in 2025, he wasn’t just be another rookie—he made history as Thailand’s first MotoGP rider. His path to the premier class has been defined by steady progress, highlighted by a Moto2 Grand Prix victory that put him firmly on the radar.
While Honda is in a rebuilding phase, Chantra’s presence is a milestone moment for both the sport and Southeast Asia’s growing motorsport audience. His success could spark a surge of interest and investment in Thai racing infrastructure, potentially paving the way for future riders from the region.
Pedro Acosta: The shark ready for glory
Few young riders have generated as much buzz as Pedro Acosta. Nicknamed the “Shark of Mazarrón,” Acosta has torn through the junior ranks, winning the Moto3 title in 2021 and the Moto2 championship in 2023. His rookie MotoGP season in 2024 was equally impressive, finishing sixth overall—an extraordinary feat for a newcomer.
Now racing for the factory KTM team, Acosta is tipped by many insiders as MotoGP’s next global superstar. His adaptability, daring race-craft, and natural charisma make him a marketable figure, while his talent keeps fans and rivals on edge. By the late 2020s, Acosta could well be a multiple-time world champion.
Why these riders are still “almost unknown”
For casual sports fans, names like Ogura, Aldeguer, Chantra, and Acosta don’t yet carry the same weight as Marquez or Bagnaia. The reasons are clear:
- Previous focus on lower classes: Most of their success so far has been in Moto2 or Moto3, which attract dedicated but smaller audiences.
- Established star dominance: The grid in recent years has been dominated by riders with world championships and long-standing fan bases.
- Limited media spotlight: As rookies or recent graduates to MotoGP, they are just starting to secure podium finishes and consistent TV time.
As they rack up victories, however, the gap between “up-and-coming” and “household name” will close rapidly.
Other rising talents worth watching
Beyond the headline rookies, several other riders are quietly building momentum:
- David Alonso – The Colombian prodigy has impressed in junior categories with consistent speed and race intelligence. His pathway to MotoGP seems almost inevitable, and his presence would bring valuable diversity to the grid.
- Xavi Artigas & Izan Guevara – Both Spanish talents are rising fast, with strong team backing and eye-catching performances in Moto3 and Moto2. Guevara, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be a future title contender.
- Deniz Öncü – The Turkish rider has carved out a reputation in Moto2 for his fearless overtaking and relentless pace. A MotoGP call-up within the decade seems increasingly likely.
The next decade: From rookies to champions
MotoGP has been actively cultivating young talent through feeder series such as the Red Bull Rookies Cup and FIM JuniorGP, ensuring a constant influx of competitive riders. This structured development pipeline means today’s rookies are better prepared than ever to make an impact at the highest level.
By 2035, it is entirely plausible that several of these “almost unknown” riders will have:
- Claimed race victories in multiple seasons.
- Contended for (or won) world championships.
- Become leading figures for major manufacturers such as KTM, Honda, Yamaha, or Ducati.
- Just as fans in 2013 could not have foreseen how dominant riders like Bagnaia or Quartararo would become a decade later, so too will casual followers look back on the mid-2020s as the beginning of a new golden era.
A new era in motion
The next generation of MotoGP stars is already assembling on the grid. Riders like Ogura, Aldeguer, Chantra, and Acosta may be just beginning their premier-class journeys, but their talent and determination suggest long, successful careers ahead.
Bettors are already watching closely, analysing lap times, team performance, and circuit history to spot valuable odds before the wider market catches on. With each race, these newcomers offer fresh opportunities for those looking to wager smartly on MotoGP’s evolving landscape.
In ten years’, time, fans will likely speak their names in the same breath as the legends they are poised to succeed. The 2025 season marks the start of this transition—a reminder that in motorsport, every era ends, and a new one begins at full throttle.
