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With more races across more countries than ever, a powerhouse grid promises thrilling battles from the start. From Thailand to Spain, Brazil to America, and stunning backdrops like Mandalika and Portimão, get ready for an unforgettable season!
Anticipation couldn’ t be higher for MotoGP™ in 2026 as the final year of 1000cc bikes gets underway this weekend.
There’ s no question reigning World Champion Marc Marquez( Ducati Lenovo Team) will once again start as favourite despite returning from a serious shoulder injury. The seven-time MotoGP™ champ gradually built up his strength and endurance during the winter and showed fearsome speed during testing.
The bigger question surrounds who will push Marc hardest this term. Going off 2025 results, brother Alex( BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) will be a contender once again after a stellar season in which he finished second overall and won three races.
Marco Bezzecchi( Aprilia Racing) will be another contender after his brilliant second half of 2025. An awesome run that included three wins saw the Italian climb to third overall, and Aprilia hasn’ t stood still over the winter months.
Perhaps the biggest mystery coming into this weekend is Pecco Bagnaia( Ducati Lenovo Team). The twotime MotoGP™ champ had a tough 2025. But there were signs of optimism during the preseason, and it appears he has really gelled with the Desmosedici GP26. That should bode well for the year ahead.
Excitement surrounds the potential of Pedro Acosta( Bull KTM Factory Racing) in 2026 after a solid preseason. The 21-year-old cuts a calmer, more mature figure than this time a year ago and appears well placed to take advantage of KTM’ s improvements over the winter months.
Honda will be looking to maintain the momentum it built up last year, with Honda HRC Castrol runners Luca Marini and Joan Mir impressing during preseason, while Johann Zarco( CASTROL Honda LCR) should be another name to consider.
And there is great interest at Yamaha as it brings its V4 YZR-M1 up to speed. There were a few teething issues during preseason, and Fabio Quartararo( Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) missed a chunk of the Sepang test due to a finger injury. But their times weren’ t a million miles away. Plus rookie and reigning WorldSBK™ champion Toprak Razgatlioglu has been gradually getting faster.
Chang International Circuit