2021 MotoGP World Championship

Joan Mir and Team Suzuki Ecstar began the season as defending riders' and teams' champions, respectively, while Ducati started as defending constructors' champion. Ducati and Yamaha became early season favourites after winning all of the first five races of the season (rounds 1-3 for Yamaha riders Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo, rounds 4-5 for Ducati rider Jack Miller) and locking out all but one of the 15 podium positions between them. Perennial title favourite Marc Márquez made his return to the series at the third round in Portugal, after missing nearly the entirety of the 2020 season as well as the first two rounds in Qatar due to recovering from an injury.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=17 April 2021|title=Marc Marquez 'will suffer' in his return MotoGP race|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/marquez-will-suffer-in-his-return-motogp-race/6315018/|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417171733/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/marquez-will-suffer-in-his-return-motogp-race/6315018/ |archive-date=17 April 2021 }}

By the sixth round in Italy, Quartararo became the first clear title favourite of the season after four consecutive pole positions and achieving his third win of the season, extending his championship lead to 24 points.{{Cite web|last=Lewis|first=Lisa|date=30 May 2021|title=Italian MotoGP: Quartararo ends Ducati dominance with emotional Mugello win|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/979431/1/italian-motogp-quartararo-ends-ducati-dominance-emotional-mugello-win|url-status=live|access-date=31 May 2021|website=Crash.net|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530135807/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/979431/1/italian-motogp-quartararo-ends-ducati-dominance-emotional-mugello-win |archive-date=30 May 2021 }} Miguel Oliveira won the Catalan round during a three-race podium streak. At the German Grand Prix, Marc Márquez made his first return to the podium since the 2019 Valencian Grand Prix with a win, extending his unbroken streak of victories at the Sachsenring to 11 in a row, dating back to 2010 in the 125cc class.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=20 June 2021|title=Marc Marquez: Germany MotoGP win 'makes up for the suffering'|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/marc-marquez-germany-motogp-win-makes-up-for-the-suffering/6590477/|url-status=live|access-date=27 June 2021|website=Autosport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621004129/https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/marc-marquez-germany-motogp-win-makes-up-for-the-suffering/6590477/ |archive-date=21 June 2021 }} With his victory, Márquez ended Honda's longest win drought since their full-time return to the pinnacle of Grand Prix racing in 1982 at 581 days. At the Dutch TT, Quartararo claimed his fourth win of the season, extending his lead in the riders' championship heading into the summer break, with a 34-point-advantage over his nearest rival and compatriot Johann Zarco.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=27 June 2021|title=Assen MotoGP: Quartararo scores dominant win ahead of Vinales|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/assen-quartararo-wins-vinales-yamaha-mir/6614830/|url-status=live|access-date=27 June 2021|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627125309/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/assen-quartararo-wins-vinales-yamaha-mir/6614830/ |archive-date=27 June 2021 }}

Returning from the summer pause in Styria, rookie Jorge Martín translated his second career pole position into his maiden race win in just his sixth MotoGP race start,{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-08-08|title=Styrian MotoGP: Jorge Martin scores maiden win after red flag|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/styrian-martin-ducati-win-red-flag/6644361/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808133910/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/styrian-martin-ducati-win-red-flag/6644361/ |archive-date=8 August 2021 }} and claimed the first victory for Pramac Racing since their entry to the class in 2002.{{Cite web|last=Barstow|first=Ollie|date=2021-08-09|title=After 24 podiums, near-misses and 19 years Pramac Racing finally wins in MotoGP|url=https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/after-24-podiums-near-misses-and-19-years-pramac-racing-finally-wins-motogp|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|website=Visordown|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810174953/https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/after-24-podiums-near-misses-and-19-years-pramac-racing-finally-wins-motogp |archive-date=10 August 2021 }} During the pre-event press conference, Valentino Rossi announced his retirement after 26 years on the Grand Prix circuit, effective at the end of the season.{{Cite web|last=Beaver|first=Dan|date=2021-08-05|title=After 26 years, Valentino Rossi will retire from MotoGP|url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2021/08/05/valentino-rossi-retire-motogp-retirement/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-26|website=MotorSportsTalk {{!}} NBC Sports|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805191840/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2021/08/05/valentino-rossi-retire-motogp-retirement/ |archive-date=5 August 2021 }} At the Austrian Grand Prix, KTM rider Brad Binder took his second career victory in a flag-to-flag race in the rain, after electing to stay out on slicks with three laps remaining, while the other five riders of the lead group entered the pits to switch to wet tyres.{{Cite web|last=Oxley|first=Mat|date=2021-08-16|title=Brad Binder: 'This wasn't racing – this was surviving'|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/motorcycles/motogp/brad-binder-this-wasnt-racing-this-was-surviving|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-22|website=Motor Sport Magazine|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816110841/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/motorcycles/motogp/brad-binder-this-wasnt-racing-this-was-surviving |archive-date=16 August 2021 }} At an unseasonably cold British round, Quartararo took a dominant win while his nearest rivals faltered, extending his championship lead to 65 points with six rounds remaining. Silverstone also marked the first career MotoGP podium finish for Aleix Espargaró and the first podium for Aprilia as a manufacturer in the modern MotoGP era.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2020-08-29|title=British MotoGP: Quartararo wins, Espargaro earns Aprilia historic podium|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/british-motogp-quartararo-wins-espargaro-puts-aprilia-on-podium/6656567/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-29|website=Autosport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829125806/https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/british-motogp-quartararo-wins-espargaro-puts-aprilia-on-podium/6656567/ |archive-date=29 August 2021 }}

In Aragon, Ducati factory rider Francesco Bagnaia led from pole position to take his inaugural MotoGP victory{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-09-12|title=Aragon MotoGP: Bagnaia fends off Marquez in tense duel to win|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/aragon-bagnaia-ducati-win-marquez-duel/6666211/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-12|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912155715/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/aragon-bagnaia-ducati-win-marquez-duel/6666211/ |archive-date=12 September 2021 }} and shortened Quartararo's championship advantage as the Frenchman struggled with tyres, dropping from third on the grid to finish eighth.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-09-12|title="Something went wrong" with Quartararo's tyre in Aragon MotoGP race|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/quartararostyre-aragon-woes-yamaha/6666496/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-12|website=www.motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912161544/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/quartararostyre-aragon-woes-yamaha/6666496/ |archive-date=12 September 2021 }} At Misano, Bagnaia repeated his feat to win from pole for the second consecutive race, cutting the Frenchman's lead to just 48 points with four rounds remaining.{{Cite news|last=Munjal|first=Dhruv|date=2021-09-19|title=Bagnaia holds off Quartararo to win in San Marino|language=en|work=Reuters|editor-last=Osmond|editor-first=Ed|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/bagnaia-holds-off-quartararo-win-san-marino-2021-09-19/|access-date=2021-10-03}} In Austin, Marc Marquéz topped the podium for the second time of the year, ahead of chief title contenders Quartararo and pole-sitter Bagnaia. With the win, Marquéz extended his dominance over the Circuit of the Americas, having won 7 of 8 total MotoGP visits to the track.{{Cite web|last=Ryan|first=Nate|date=2021-10-03|title=Marc Marquez wins in MotoGP return to COTA in Austin|url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2021/10/03/motogp-marc-marquez-cota-circuit-of-the-americas-cota/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-10|website=MotorSportsTalk {{!}} NBC Sports|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003200951/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2021/10/03/motogp-marc-marquez-cota-circuit-of-the-americas-cota/ |archive-date=3 October 2021 }}

At the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Bagnaia started from pole for the fourth consecutive race, while Quartararo started from 15th position after a difficult qualifying session.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-10-23|title=Emilia Romagna MotoGP: Bagnaia claims pole, Quartararo only 15th|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/emilia-romagna-bagnaia-pole-qualifying-quartararo-15th/6703609/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-25|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023144421/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/emilia-romagna-bagnaia-pole-qualifying-quartararo-15th/6703609/ |archive-date=23 October 2021 }} While Quartararo fought his way back into the top five, Bagnaia crashed from the lead with four laps remaining, gifting Marquéz his third win of the season. Ultimately finishing the race in fourth after a last-lap pass by Enea Bastianini, Quartararo was crowned the 2021 MotoGP World Champion.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-10-24|title=Emilia Romagna MotoGP: Quartararo claims title as Marquez seals victory|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/emilia-romagna-motogp-6707494/6707494/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-25|website=Autosport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024131227/https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/emilia-romagna-motogp-6707494/6707494/ |archive-date=24 October 2021 }} Quartararo became the first ever Frenchman to win the premier class title, as well the first non-Spanish champion for a decade, since Australian Casey Stoner in 2011.

With Márquez missing the Algarve Grand Prix from a concussion sustained in a training incident, his winning streak ended. Bagnaia led from pole position to claim his third win of the season. After Quartararo crashed out of sixth position, Ducati secured the constructors' title. The race ended with a red flag after a collision between Iker Lecuona and Miguel Oliveira.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-11-07|title=Algarve MotoGP: Bagnaia wins red-flagged race|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/algarve-motogp-race-report-bagnaia-mir/6755899/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-15|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107141027/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/algarve-motogp-race-report-bagnaia-mir/6755899/ |archive-date=7 November 2021 }} Bagnaia achieved his fourth victory of the season at the Valencian finale ahead of Martín and Miller in Ducati's first-ever podium lock-out, securing the team's championship for the Ducati factory team for the first time since 2007.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-11-14|title=MotoGP Valencia: Bagnaia wins finale as Valentino Rossi brings career to a close|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/motogp-valencia-bagnaia-wins-finale-as-valentino-rossi-brings-career-to-a-close/6780250/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-15|website=Autosport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114140126/https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/motogp-valencia-bagnaia-wins-finale-as-valentino-rossi-brings-career-to-a-close/6780250/ |archive-date=14 November 2021 }}

In total, eight different riders won Grands Prix during the season, and fifteen different riders made it onto the podium.

As with the previous season, the 2021 championship was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation or postponement of many races. As it became clear local pandemic conditions would not allow for a running of the Argentine or American Grands Prix as planned, both races were postponed and replaced with a second round in Qatar and a round in Portugal. The return of the Finnish Grand Prix was delayed by a further year, as Finnish race officials did not wish to hold their inaugural event without fans in the grandstands, and the race was replaced with a second round in Austria. The Japanese Grand Prix was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic situation in the country and the resulting travel complications and logistical restrictions, and was replaced by the new date for the American Grand Prix. The Australian Grand Prix was cancelled in early July, due to the paddock's inability to meet the Australian government's requirement for a two-week quarantine for all foreign entries to the country, which would introduce too large of a disturbance to the MotoGP schedule.{{Cite web|last=Austin|first=Jack|date=6 July 2021|title=Australian F1 Grand Prix and MotoGP cancelled for second year running|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-news-2021-australian-grand-prix-cancelled-motogp-victorian-government-restrictions-why-daniel-ricciardo-mclaren-latest-news/news-story/8864233e5432ba6df175e3222e959103|url-status=live|access-date=6 July 2021|website=Fox Sports|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706004443/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-news-2021-australian-grand-prix-cancelled-motogp-victorian-government-restrictions-why-daniel-ricciardo-mclaren-latest-news/news-story/8864233e5432ba6df175e3222e959103 |archive-date=6 July 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=van Leeuwen|first=Andrew|date=6 July 2021|title=Australian F1 and MotoGP races cancelled for 2021|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/australian-f1-motogp-cancelled-2021/6626390/|url-status=live|access-date=6 July 2021|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706050214/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/australian-f1-motogp-cancelled-2021/6626390/ |archive-date=6 July 2021 }} With a mid-summer resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Thailand, its Grand Prix, planned for mid-October, was also cancelled for the second year in a row.{{Cite web|last=Cobb|first=Haydn|date=2021-07-21|title=Thailand MotoGP round cancelled for second year in a row|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/thailand-motogp-round-cancelled-for-second-year-in-a-row/6634669/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-22|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721093128/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/thailand-motogp-round-cancelled-for-second-year-in-a-row/6634669/ |archive-date=21 July 2021 }} By mid-August, the rising number of infections in Malaysia caused the cancellation of the Grand Prix in that country (replaced by a second round at the Misano circuit),{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-08-19|title=MotoGP calendar revised further as Malaysian GP cancelled|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/motogp-calendar-revised-malaysia-cancelled/6650399/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-22|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819113150/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/motogp-calendar-revised-malaysia-cancelled/6650399/ |archive-date=19 August 2021 }} meaning no championship rounds would be held east of Qatar for the second consecutive year.

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All teams used series-specified Michelin tyres.{{Cite web|date=20 October 2017|title=Michelin confirmed as MotoGP tyre supplier until 2023|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2017/10/20/michelin-confirmed-as-motogp-tyre-supplier-until-2023/177593|access-date=6 October 2023|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports}}

• Fabio Quartararo moved to the {{nowrap|Yamaha factory team}} from Petronas Yamaha. Valentino Rossi swapped seats with Quartararo, leaving the Yamaha factory team after 15 seasons over two stints with the team.
• Pol Espargaró moved to Repsol Honda Team after 4 years with the KTM factory team, replacing Álex Márquez, who moved to LCR under a Honda factory contract, in turn replacing Cal Crutchlow. Crutchlow joined Yamaha as a test rider, replacing incumbent test rider Jorge Lorenzo.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=13 November 2020|title=Cal Crutchlow joins Yamaha as MotoGP test rider for 2021|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/crutchlow-yamaha-test-rider-2021/4908565/|access-date=13 November 2020|website=Motorsport.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=13 November 2020|title=Cal Crutchlow Joins Yamaha as Official MotoGP Test Rider|url=https://www.yamahamotogp.com/news/13-11-2020-cal-crutchlow-joins-yamaha-as-official-motogp-test-rider|access-date=13 November 2020|website=Yamaha MotoGP|language=en}}
• Miguel Oliveira moved from KTM satellite team Tech3 to the factory team. Danilo Petrucci replaced Oliveira at Tech3 after two seasons with the Ducati factory team.
• Andrea Dovizioso left the Ducati factory team after 8 seasons with the team at the end of the 2020 season.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=15 August 2020|title=Andrea Dovizioso will not stay at Ducati MotoGP team in 2021|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/dovizioso-ducati-2021-split-battistella/4856879/|url-status=live|access-date=17 August 2020|website=Motorsport.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819014448/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/dovizioso-ducati-2021-split-battistella/4856879/ |archive-date=19 August 2020 }} On 10 November 2020, he announced his intentions to take a sabbatical for the 2021 season and focus on a return in 2022.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=10 November 2020|title=Dovizioso officially announces MotoGP sabbatical for 2021|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/153415/dovizioso-officially-announces-motogp-sabbatical|access-date=13 November 2020|website=Autosport.com|language=en}}
• Both Pramac Racing riders Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia moved to the factory Ducati team. Johann Zarco (coming from Esponsorama) and Jorge Martín (promoted from Moto2 with KTM Ajo) replaced them.
• Enea Bastianini and Luca Marini were promoted from Moto2 to Esponsorama Racing, replacing Zarco and Tito Rabat, the latter having his contract terminated prematurely for 2021 and moving to the Superbike World Championship.
• Lorenzo Savadori was promoted from a test rider position to a race seat for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, after Andrea Iannone received a four-year competition ban for a doping violation.

• Stefan Bradl replaced Marc Márquez for the start of the season, as Márquez prolonged his recovery from his 2020 season-ending injury.
• Tito Rabat replaced Jorge Martín for the Spanish and French Grands Prix, while the rookie recovered from injuries sustained in a Saturday morning crash at the Portuguese round.
• Ducati test rider Michele Pirro replaced Martín for the Italian Grand Prix.
• Álex Rins missed the Catalan Grand Prix after suffering a broken arm prior to the race. He was not replaced for the round.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-07-03|title=Alex Rins out of Catalan MotoGP with broken arm|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rins-catalan-gp-barcelona-broken-arm/6529348/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-12|website=Motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603140325/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rins-catalan-gp-barcelona-broken-arm/6529348/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 }}
• Franco Morbidelli missed several races after injuring his left knee in a training accident.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-22|title=Morbidelli to miss Motul TT Assen|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/06/22/morbidelli-to-miss-dutchgp/380572|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-12|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622213138/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/06/22/morbidelli-to-miss-dutchgp/380572 |archive-date=22 June 2021 }} He was replaced by Garrett Gerloff for the Dutch round, Cal Crutchlow for the Styrian and Austrian rounds, and Jake Dixon for the British and Aragon rounds.
• Lorenzo Savadori underwent surgery after his crash in the Styrian round. He missed the succeeding Austrian round and was not replaced.{{Cite web|last1=Duncan|first1=Lewis|last2=Garcia Casanova|first2=German|date=2021-08-09|title=Aprilia's Savadori has surgery after fiery MotoGP crash|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/aprilia-surgery-motogp-crash-savadori/6645074/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-12|website=Motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809190036/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/aprilia-surgery-motogp-crash-savadori/6645074/ |archive-date=9 August 2021 }}
• Yamaha withdrew Maverick Viñales from the Austrian Grand Prix, citing "unexplained irregular operation of the motorcycle" during the Styrian Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Duncan|first=Lewis|date=2021-08-12|title=Yamaha suspends Vinales from MotoGP Austrian GP|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/yamaha-suspends-vinales-from-motogp-austrian-gp/6646044/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-12|website=Autosport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812102234/https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/yamaha-suspends-vinales-from-motogp-austrian-gp/6646044/ |archive-date=12 August 2021 }} Yamaha subsequently terminated his contract on August 20, thereby removing Viñales' entry in the championship.{{Cite web|date=2021-08-20|title=Yamaha and Maverick Vinales End 2021 Agreement|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/20/yamaha-and-maverick-vinales-end-2021-agreement/387214/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-12|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820073329/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/20/yamaha-and-maverick-vinales-end-2021-agreement/387214 |archive-date=20 August 2021 }} He was replaced by Cal Crutchlow for the British and Aragon rounds. Franco Morbidelli was subsequently promoted to the factory team as their championship rider for the rest of the season and the future, reuniting Morbidelli with former Petronas SRT teammate Fabio Quartararo. Andrea Dovizioso eventually returned from his sabbatical and returned to MotoGP, replacing Morbidelli as SRT's championship rider for the rest of the season.{{Cite web|last=Sports|first=Dorna|title=Dovizioso makes MotoGP return with Petronas Yamaha SRT|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/09/16/dovizioso-makes-motogp-return-with-petronas-yamaha-srt/392313|access-date=2021-09-16|website=www.motogp.com|language=en}}
• Maverick Viñales returned to MotoGP from the Aragon Grand Prix onwards with Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, replacing Lorenzo Savadori as the championship rider for the remainder of the season, with Savadori returning to his previous role as the test/reserve rider.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/09/01/vinales-set-to-make-aprilia-debut-at-aragon-grand-prix/389676|title=Viñales set to make Aprilia debut at Aragon Grand Prix|date=1 September 2021|website=MotoGP.com|language=en|access-date=1 September 2021}} Viñales is contracted to ride for Aprilia in 2022.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=16 August 2021|title=Maverick Viñales to race with Aprilia in 2022|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/16/maverick-vinales-to-race-with-aprilia-in-2022/387024|url-status=live|access-date=23 August 2021|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816094718/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/16/maverick-vinales-to-race-with-aprilia-in-2022/387024 |archive-date=16 August 2021 }}
• Maverick Viñales sat out of the Grand Prix of the Americas following the death of his cousin, Dean Berta Viñales, during the first round at Jerez in the 2021 Supersport 300 World Championship the previous week. He was not replaced for the round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/09/29/maverick-vinales-to-miss-grand-prix-of-americas/395471|title=Maverick Viñales to miss Grand Prix of Americas|date=29 September 2021|website=MotoGP.com|language=en|access-date=30 September 2021}}
• Marc Márquez missed the Algarve and Valencian Grands Prix after suffering a slight concussion during training days prior the race. He was replaced by Stefan Bradl at Algarve,{{Cite web|date=3 November 2021|title=Bradl to replace Marc Marquez in Portugal|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/11/03/bradl-to-replace-marc-marquez-in-portugal/399132|url-status=live|access-date=5 November 2021|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103111431/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/11/03/bradl-to-replace-marc-marquez-in-portugal/399132 |archive-date=3 November 2021 }} but HRC elected not to replace Márquez for the finale in Valencia.{{Cite web|last=Patterson|first=Simon|date=2021-11-11|title=Why Honda won't replace injured Marquez at MotoGP finale|url=https://the-race.com/motogp/why-honda-wont-replace-marquez-at-motogp-finale/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-15|website=The Race|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111125136/https://the-race.com/motogp/why-honda-wont-replace-marquez-at-motogp-finale/ |archive-date=11 November 2021 }}

The following Grands Prix took place in 2021:{{cite news|title=Provisional 2021 MotoGP calendar updated|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/01/22/2021-motogp-provisional-calendar-updated/360428|date=22 January 2021|access-date=22 January 2021|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna}}{{cite news|title=Styrian GP added to 2021 calendar as Finnish GP is cancelled|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/05/14/styrian-gp-added-to-2021-calendar-as-finnish-gp-is-cancelled/372345|date=14 May 2021|access-date=14 May 2021|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna}}{{cite news|date=6 July 2021|title=Australian Grand Prix cancelled, Algarve Grand Prix added|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/07/06/australian-grand-prix-cancelled-algarve-grand-prix-added/382454|access-date=6 July 2021}}

{{Location map many|World|width=775|float=left

|alt=Grand Prix locations in the world

|caption=Location of non-European Grands Prix in 2021.
(8px: scheduled Grand Prix 8px: cancelled Grand Prix)

|coordinates1={{coord|25|25|N|51|30|E}}|position1=right|label1_size=100|mark1=Green pog.svg|label1=Losail

|coordinates2={{coord|36|31|N|140|11|E}}|position2=right|label2_size=100|mark2=Red pog.svg|label2=Motegi

|coordinates3={{coord|14|59|N|103|06|E}}|position3=right|label3_size=100|mark3=Red pog.svg|label3=Buriram

|coordinates4={{coord|38|27|S|145|11|E}}|position4=left|label4_size=100|mark4=Red pog.svg|label4=Phillip Island

|coordinates5={{coord|2|45|N|101|44|E}}|position5=right|label5_size=100|mark5=Red pog.svg|label5=Sepang

|coordinates6={{coord|27|29|S|64|52|W}}|position6=right|label6_size=100|mark6=Red pog.svg|label6=Termas de Río Hondo

|coordinates7={{coord|30|8|N|97|38|W}}|position7=right|label7_size=100|mark7=Green pog.svg|label7=Austin

}}

{{stack|float=left|{{Location map many|Europe|width=450|float=left

|alt=Grand Prix locations within Europe

|caption=Location of European Grands Prix in 2021.
(8px: scheduled Grand Prix 8px: cancelled Grand Prix)

|coordinates1={{coord|37|8|N|8|32|W}}|position1=right|label1_size=100|mark1=Green pog.svg|label1=Portimão

|coordinates2={{coord|36|41|N|6|8|W}}|position2=bottom|label2_size=100|mark2=Green pog.svg|label2=Jerez

|coordinates3={{coord|48|0|N|0|11|E}}|position3=right|label3_size=100|mark3=Green pog.svg|label3=Le Mans

|coordinates4={{coord|44|0|N|11|21|E}}|position4=left|label4_size=100|mark4=Green pog.svg|label4=Scarperia

|coordinates5={{coord|41|33|N|2|15|E}}|position5=right|label5_size=100|mark5=Green pog.svg|label5=Montmeló

|coordinates6={{coord|50|48|N|12|43|E}}|position6=right|label6_size=100|mark6=Green pog.svg|label6=Hohenstein-Ernstthal

|coordinates7={{coord|53|0|N|6|34|E}}|position7=right|label7_size=100|mark7=Green pog.svg|label7=Assen

|coordinates8={{coord|47|13|N|14|47|E}}|position8=right|label8_size=100|mark8=Green pog.svg|label8=Spielberg

|coordinates9={{coord|52|4|N|1|1|W}}|position9=left|label9_size=100|mark9=Green pog.svg|label9=Silverstone

|coordinates10={{coord|41|3|N|0|8|E}}|position10=left|label10_size=100|mark10=Green pog.svg|label10=Alcañiz

|coordinates11={{coord|43|58|N|12|42|E}}|position11=right|label11_size=100|mark11=Green pog.svg|label11=Misano Adriatico

|coordinates12={{coord|39|28|N|0|22|W}}|position12=right|label12_size=100|mark12=Green pog.svg|label12=Valencia

|coordinates13={{coord|60|52|N|26|28|E}}|position13=right|label13_size=100|mark13=Red pog.svg|label13=Iitti

}}}}

{{clear}}

• The Finnish Grand Prix was due to be reintroduced to the calendar after a 38-year absence. The venue hosting the round was to be the new Kymi Ring, instead of the Tampere Circuit used in 1962 and 1963, or the Imatra Circuit which hosted the round until 1982. The Finnish Grand Prix had been included on the 2020 calendar, but the inaugural race was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Czech Republic Grand Prix was initially left off the provisional calendar, as the circuit requires mandatory resurfacing for safety compliance, and it was unclear if the necessary work could be completed in time for its typical schedule date in early August. The 11th round of the championship was therefore left open as provisionally pending.{{Cite web|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=6 November 2020|title=Czech Grand Prix uncertain on 2021 MotoGP calendar|url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/health-pmn/motorcycling-czech-grand-prix-uncertain-on-2021-motogp-calendar|access-date=6 November 2020|website=National Post|language=en-CA}} On 8 December 2020, Brno city councillors opted out of the 2021 calendar, citing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|date=8 December 2020|title=Brno councillors opt out as 2021 MotoGP host|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20201208-brno-councillors-opt-out-as-2021-motogp-host|access-date=9 December 2020|website=France 24|language=en}} It marked the first absence of a Grand Prix in Brno since 1992. The mayor of Brno hopes for the return of the championship in 2022.{{cite news|date=18 November 2020|title=MotoGP se příští rok v Brně nepojede, primátorka doufá v návrat v roce 2022|language=Czech|work=iDNES.cz|url=https://www.idnes.cz/brno/zpravy/motogp-2021-zruseny-zavod-brno-dorna-ministerstvo-pro-mistni-rozvoj.A201118_111254_brno-zpravy_mls|access-date=22 March 2021}}

• With the uncertainty of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, championship organizer Dorna elected in November 2020 to nominate three "Reserve Grand Prix Venues" which could be used in the event that local virus containment measures or regulations force the cancellation of a planned Grand Prix.{{cite news|date=6 November 2020|title=Provisional 2021 MotoGP calendar revealed|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/11/06/provisional-2021-motogp-calendar-revealed/353789?|access-date=6 November 2020}}
• The Portuguese Grand Prix at Algarve had previously returned to the schedule as a replacement race for the final round of the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season.{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=Portimao to host 2020 MotoGP season finale|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/08/10/portimao-to-host-2020-motogp-season-finale/338320|access-date=6 November 2020|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|language=en}}
• The Indonesian Grand Prix was originally planned to be reintroduced to the main calendar after a 23-year absence before being designated a Reserve Grand Prix for 2021. The venue hosting the round would be the new Mandalika International Street Circuit, instead of the Sentul International Circuit used in 1996 and 1997.{{Cite web|last=Cobb|first=Haydn|date=31 March 2020|title=The return of the Indonesian MotoGP|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/937603/1/return-indonesian-motogp|access-date=6 November 2020|website=Crash.net|language=en}}
• A Russian Grand Prix would see the inaugural motorcycle Grand Prix in that country. The Igora Drive circuit would be used.
• On 22 January 2021, Dorna significantly updated the provisional calendar including the following changes:
• The Argentine and American Grands Prix would be postponed due to the COVID-19 situation in both countries, with potential rescheduling for the final quarter of 2021.
• A double-header would open the season in Qatar on 28 March and 4 April, followed by Portugal as the third round.
• The provisionally pending race created by the absence of the Czech Grand Prix was removed.
• The potential Russian Grand Prix was removed from the reserve list, leaving Indonesia as the sole Reserve Grand Prix Venue.
• On 14 May the Finnish Grand Prix was cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation, and the Styrian Grand Prix would replace it on the date of 8 August. It was also confirmed that the Indonesian Grand Prix would remain a reserve Grand Prix in the 2021 calendar, subject to circuit homologation.
• On 23 June the Japanese Grand Prix was cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation, with the previously postponed Grand Prix of the Americas taking its place in the calendar. This also led to the postponement of the Thailand Grand Prix by one week.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=23 June 2021|title=2021 MotoGP provisional calendar updated|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/06/23/2021-motogp-provisional-calendar-updated/360428|url-status=live|access-date=23 June 2021|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623112509/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/06/23/2021-motogp-provisional-calendar-updated/360428 |archive-date=23 June 2021 }}
• On 6 July the Australian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation, with the Malaysian Grand Prix brought forward by a week to replace it on the date of 24 October. In addition, a new Grand Prix, the Algarve Grand Prix, was introduced, which is scheduled to be held on 7 November.
• On 21 July the Thailand Grand Prix was cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions in the country.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=21 July 2021|title=2021 Thai GP cancelled|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/07/21/2021-thai-gp-cancelled/382755|url-status=live|access-date=21 July 2021|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721091025/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/07/21/2021-thai-gp-cancelled/382755 |archive-date=21 July 2021 }}
• On 19 August the Malaysian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions in the country. For its replacement, a second Grand Prix at Misano was introduced, having the same schedule as the cancelled Malaysian round.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=19 August 2021|title=Malaysian GP cancelled, replaced by a Grand Prix at Misano|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/19/malaysian-gp-cancelled-replaced-by-a-grand-prix-at-misano/387180|url-status=live|access-date=19 August 2021|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819114451/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/19/malaysian-gp-cancelled-replaced-by-a-grand-prix-at-misano/387180 |archive-date=19 August 2021 }}
• On 11 September the final championship calendar comprising 18 Grands Prix was confirmed. The Emilia Romagna and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix returned as the second Grand Prix at Misano, now having the shortened name of Emilia Romagna motorcycle Grand Prix. The previously postponed Argentine Grand Prix was also cancelled.

;Scoring system

Points were awarded to the top fifteen finishers. A rider had to finish the race to earn points.

|valign="top"|

{{MotoGP rider results legend}}

|}

Each constructor received the same number of points as their best placed rider in each race.

The teams' standings were based on results obtained by regular and substitute riders; wild-card entries were ineligible.

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.motogp.com}}

{{Grand Prix motorcycle racing}}

{{World championships in 2021}}

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Category:Grand Prix motorcycle racing seasons