MotoGP rider salaries: how much do MotoGP riders earn?

Figuring out how much MotoGP riders earn isn’t straightforward. Teams rarely disclose official salaries, and then there are win bonuses, sponsorship deals, and personal endorsements to consider.

With global motorcycle giants like Honda, Ducati, and Yamaha backing the sport’s biggest names, the money in MotoGP can be staggering. From multi-million-dollar contracts to hefty performance incentives, the financial side of two-wheeled racing is just as intense as the action on track.

So how much do MotoGP riders really make? In this article, we’ll break down Marc Márquez’s salary, the highest-paid riders on the grid, and the jaw-dropping numbers behind the biggest contracts in MotoGP.

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MotoGP rider salaries

As of 2025, Fabio Quartararo leads the MotoGP salary rankings, securing the top spot with his deal at Yamaha. He is followed by MotoGP legend, Marc Marquez, with former double world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, rounding out the top three. Meanwhile, a wave of rookies and lower-tier riders fill out the bottom of the rankings

The figures below are estimates and do not include performance bonuses or sponsorship deals, which can significantly boost riders’ total earnings. Stats according to Sporttune.

Which MotoGP team spends the most on rider salaries?

As of 2025, Yamaha has become the biggest spender on rider salaries. Frenchman, Fabio Quartararo, is their highest paid and reportedly earns £10.4 million per year from his Yamaha contract. This substantial salary highlights Yamaha’s strong commitment to improving their overall performance.

Ducati are a close second, spending just £200k less on base salaries every year.

How do MotoGP rider earnings compare to Formula 1 drivers?

While top MotoGP riders earn impressive salaries, their earnings generally fall short compared to leading Formula 1 drivers.

MotoGP’s highest earner, Fabio Quartararo, takes home four times less than Formula 1’s top-paid star, Max Verstappen, who earns a staggering £50m per year.

How do sponsorships and bonuses affect MotoGP salaries?

While the base salaries of even the lowest-paid MotoGP stars are way beyond that of the average working individual, riders do rely heavily on sponsorships and bonuses to make up a large portion of their earnings.

According to roadracingworld.com, riders with lower base salaries tend to earn more in bonuses. Some have the opportunity to earn up to €250,000 for a race win, while those on the higher base salaries may receive a smaller win bonus of €10,000

Personal sponsorships and endorsements are also a key source of income for many on the current MotoGP. Marc Marquez’s long-term deal with Red Bull and Fabio Quartararo’s deal with eyewear brand, Oakley, are two examples of how current riders supplement their income.

How much do MotoGP legends like Valentino Rossi still earn?

MotoGP legend, Valentino Rossi, has an estimated net worth of $200m and his reported annual earnings still exceed $25m despite having retired in 2021.

These earnings come from continued sponsorship deals, personal business ventures, and his lasting influence in the motorsport industry.

How do MotoGP rider salaries compare to Moto2 and Moto3?

MotoGP riders earn significantly more than their Moto2 and Moto3 counterparts, reflecting the premier class’s bigger budgets, sponsorships, and global exposure.

In Moto2 and Moto3, salaries are much lower, with some at the lower end of the tables even racing for free to secure their seat. Others bring personal sponsorship to make sure they can race, ultimately with the dream of reaching MotoGP.

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